I am a poor man but I prayed to the Lord and He heard me. He saved me from all my trouble. Psalm 34:6, English Bible for the Deaf

 

Recently, I was fortunate enough to go away for a long weekend with my husband and daughter to one of my favourite destinations in the country. The Garden Route has held a special place in my heart since childhood because we spent many December holidays there with our large family.

 

I remember how, during many vacations, I would sit on a bench by the sea in the late afternoon or even at night, listening to the crashing waves. Those moments alone on the bench were my own special quiet time. It was a time to organise my thoughts after a long year, to process my worries and to work through my feelings. Many times, I sat there praying and experiencing God’s voice in the waves. Sometimes, my mind was filled with chaos and at other times, it was just thoughts about life or concerns about the new school year. Even back then, I found comfort in the cool sea breeze and something peaceful in the flickering lights of Mossel Bay in the distance.

 

Shortly after we arrived, I took a walk to the beach with my toddler. When we reached the wooden steps, the moment felt overwhelming to me. I was close to tears. There was something sacred about showing her the place that held such a big part of my childhood and my deepest emotions, even if she didn’t fully understand. As we walked down the path, two women pointed out dolphins playing in the water.

 

God knows how and where to find us. Do you hear his voice? God’s voice is not only confined to church during a sermon or in a Bible verse. You can hear his voice in other places too – sometimes in nature, in the wind, in the crashing waves, but also in the silence. Even in traffic. Sometimes in beautiful music. Or in moments when you feel great joy or deep sorrow. Yes, God knows where to find you and you never need to worry about that. He knows when and where your heart and soul are open. He knows.

 

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for always knowing where to find me and touching my heart. Help me to hear your voice in my life. Amen.