Wide, Wide as the Ocean
"I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great." I Chronicles 21:13I remember singing it as a child.
Wide, wide as the ocean;
High as the heavens above;
Deep, deep as the deepest sea,
Is my Savior's love.
2900 years ago as David and others sought for images of breadth and vastness their eyes and minds were naturally drawn to the sea. Today we also possess this same expansive picture. The coastlines vary but the breadth of the ocean remains the same. From the rocky shores of Maine to the sandy beaches of Hawaii, the sea opens up and envelopes the seer.
So it is with God's mercy. It is "very great." It is vast enough to swallow all your sin and failure. It is great enough to wash every stain clean. Tons of pollutants are detoxified on a daily basis. Bring your sin and your shame to him.
I still sing the song to my children,
"Wide, wide as the ocean..."
© 1999 Don Reigstad