Traveling along a coastal highway, the changing views of ocean, woods and meadows can be very pleasant. But occasionally the road may pass a swamp or backwater bay which, when the tide is out, is so muddy and unattractive that we may pass by it with hardly a glance. Do you wonder why God made such places?
He made no mistake in any of His creation, so you may be sure that these areas, which are called tidelands, form an important part of His creation. Most of these areas are covered permanently, or at least part of the time, with a shallow mixture of saltwater from the ocean and freshwater from a stream or river. For many birds, fish, small animals and insects, this is a real paradise, and many of them could not live anywhere else.
Let’s take a closer look at a tideland. First are low bushes, reeds, cattails, sea grass, clumps of flowers and other vegetation, many kinds of birds and numerous other forms of wildlife that enjoy the privacy this greenery provides. Over long periods of time, the vegetation has dropped blossoms, leaves and stalks, producing a soggy mat over the area. This, added to organic material floating in from the sea or washed down from the land, has made a very rich “soup” for the lives of numerous creatures.
Here is a wonderful home for all kinds of insects, many amphibians, as well as otters, rabbits and others. The tidelands also provide a rest stop for migrating birds that arrive in great numbers to eat, rest and regain their strength before continuing their travels. Numerous kinds of shellfish thrive, enjoying the rich food available. Many fish swim in with the tide to feed in the shallow, food-rich water.
Tidelands are important for humans, as well, providing fishing areas and valuable natural resources like oil, natural gas, and minerals. They reduce the impact of storm surges by absorbing energy from the waves and slowing down the movement of stormwater. They also filter pollutants from the water, improving our water quality.
Through this brief look at tidelands we realize a little more how the Lord has so wisely provided for every need of the creatures He created. The valuable tidelands are a subject of strife in the government. Who owns them? But we know from our opening verse that everything in this world really belongs to the Lord. Do we recognize His rights over us as we go through each day? How we should praise Him for all His goodness in giving us everything we need, including eternal life!
Did You Know?
Tidelands filter pollutants from the water, improving our water quality.
Messages of God’s Love 9/14/2025