Ebb and flow are two phases of the tide or any similar movement of water. The ebb is the outgoing phase, when the tide drains away from the shore; and the flow is the incoming phase when water rises again.
Life overall is full of this same pattern of ebb and flow and I’m discovering that for us to be truly happy and at peace it’s really important to understand which phase we are in at any particular time and to trust God works in both.
The ebb phase is when things we are hoping and believing for seem “way out there”, off shore but the stuff that we didn’t realise or we were keeping covered and hidden in our lives gets revealed, much like when rubble or rubbbish submerged under the water is revealed when the tide goes out. This can make the ebb a difficult place and perhaps even confronting, painful and frustrating as we can seriously wonder if any good is going to ever happen again.
But the ebb is just as important as the flow for what we do in the “ebb” has consequences as to how well we handle and are set up and prepared for what is coming when the “flow” brings those things we are looking, hoping and praying for come to pass. In the “flow” we receive answers, Gods goodness and His blessing, but its in the ebb that our faith and character is formed to handle the rush of the flow when the “tide turns”.
Just as nature has its ebbs, it also at the appointment time, has its flows. God is good and promises that He will work all things together for our good. When we are in an “ebb” phase we can rest assured that He is orchestrating a “flow” phase and it will be on it’s way. In the flow suddenlies happen. You were single and then suddenly you meet someone. You were jobless and then the job offers start flowing in. You were seeking direction and suddenly everything becomes clear. You were feeling broken or depressed and suddenly the dark clouds lift. In the “flow” we receive answers and experience God’s goodness and blessing.
Today whether you are experiencing an ebb or loving the flow know that life is full of both. Each has its appointed time and purpose in our lives. So relax, know God is in control, trust Him that everthing is okay and go with the Ebb and the Flow.
“For everything there is an appointed time, a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you….do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. (John 14:27)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. (Romans 8:28)
Prayer. Lord please help me to remember you are in control and to trust my life is in your capable hands. Today I’m choosing to relax in the flow and to trust in your goodness to work all things for my benefit and growth in the ebb. In Jesus name amen
Comments