Happy Sabbath, friends! I’ve had quite a hard week – and honestly, a hard month. I’ve found myself holding onto the past, afraid to fully let go and truly go with the ebb and flow. If you’ve ever faced moments in your life where you’re still holding onto something – a memory, a hurt, or a person – and it’s been hard to release it into the Lord’s hands, then this message is for you.

Before we dive into today’s reflection, let’s define what exactly “the ebb and flow” means, and how it can relate to our walk with God.

“Life is a journey that is constantly moving, like the tides of the ocean that ebb and flow. It is filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and can sometimes be hard to navigate. Understanding the ebb and flow of life means recognizing that it is not a straight path, but rather a series of peaks and valleys that come and go at different times.”
(Goulart, 2024)

“The phrase ‘ebb and flow’ is defined as a recurrent or rhythmical pattern of coming and going, or decline and regrowth. It is often used to evoke a sense of calm by suggesting that lows will be followed by highs in an endless and certain course. This usage, however, belies the fact that ebbing and flowing also describes the often fierce dynamism and unpredictability of natural and emotional reality.”
(Weisman Art Museum, 2022)

Our lives are forever changing – never constant. The one thing that remains constant is the love we find in our Heavenly Father.

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”
Malachi 3:6 (NIV)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Our lives can be compared to the tides of the ocean. There will be times when we feel distant – pulled away from peace, safety, and home (the ebb). And there will be moments when life flows smoothly, bringing us closer to shore (the flow).

This life was never promised to be easy. But what a blessing it is to have a gracious and merciful Father who we can always turn to.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)

“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”
Psalm 34:19 (NIV)

Lately, I’ve been in a season of “the ebb.” I’ve felt like I haven’t had it together – lacking peace, feeling as though the tides of life were pushing me further and further from shore. It was as if I was running out of air, unable to swim any longer.

But recently, I heard the Lord whisper to my heart, “Let it go.” That was when I decided to step into a new season – a season of “the flow.” I chose to let Him take control, to fill me with His strength and grace, and to bring me back to shore.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.”
Psalm 37:5 (NIV)

Our lives will always have ups and downs, but we can rest in the truth that the Lord walks with us through every season. When you’re in the ebb – He is near. When you’re in the flow – He is still near.

We cannot control the ebbs and flows of life, but our Heavenly Father can, and He will be with us through them all.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

And here’s something even more comforting – no season is permanent. The darkness, the waiting, the pain – none of it lasts forever. God uses these times to refine, teach, and grow us into stronger children of faith.

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Psalm 30:5 (NIV)

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)

I pray over everyone reading this – whether you are in a season of ebb or flow – that the Lord fills you with His strength, peace, and constant love. May we come to truly trust that it’s not only okay, but necessary, to let go and let God.

So today, I challenge both you and myself:
Let go of whatever you’ve been holding onto – the past, the pain, the guilt – and allow our Heavenly Father to take control.

Our God can handle the ebbs and flows.

“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’”
Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

As we rest this Sabbath, may we pause to breathe deeply and remember that even the ocean must still its waves at His command. The same God who calms the sea also calms our hearts. The Sabbath reminds us that we don’t need to strive or fight against the tides – we can simply be still in His presence and trust His timing.

May today be a reminder that no matter where you are – in the ebb or in the flow – you are held by a faithful God who never changes. Rest in Him, dear friends, and allow His peace to wash over you like gentle waves returning to shore.

Amen.

***

Ebb/flow: Pritika Chowdhry, Chotsani Elaine Dean and Courtney M. Leonard: Weisman art museum. Ebb/Flow: Pritika Chowdhry, Chotsani Elaine Dean and Courtney M. Leonard | Weisman Art Museum. (2022, December 17). https://wam.umn.edu/ebbflow-pritika-chowdhry-chotsani-elaine-dean-and-courtney-m-leonard

Goulart, R. (2024, November 6). To becoming - life is ebb and flow. Medium. https://medium.com/@rannaegoulart/to-becoming-life-is-ebb-and-flow-7970dd841b34