Beach Longings

Do you remember at the end of John's gospel when Jesus appeared to seven of the disciples on the beach after his resurrection? The seven had been fishing all night on the Sea of Tiberias and caught nothing. Just as daylight breaks they see a stranger (Jesus) calling out to them from the shoreline. He asks if they have any fish and when they say no, he tells them to throw their nets to the other side of the boat. When they do their nets are overwhelmed with fish! Standing in the boat, John turns to Simon Peter and says, "It is the Lord!" They come to shore and have breakfast with the risen Lord!

We all have empty nets. These are the things we are unable to do by ourselves. They are the things in which we are totally dependent upon God's provision. Empty nets from different places in several forms like:

• Health challenges/issues
• Job/vocational concerns
• Broken relationships
  
• Addictions
• Depression/emotional problems
• Codependence
• Apathy
• Rejection
• Anger, bitterness, unforgiveness
• Childhood wounds

And more. However, like the disciples who had fished all night, it's only when we seek God's direction and instruction that we find our nets are filled with hope, peace, rest, and other provisions of grace. Unlike the disciples, we don't have to wait until after Easter morning to experience it. Those who choose to do so walk this beach of the Lenten season with Jesus. And as we do we hear His voice calling out to the empty nets of our lives: "Cast your nets to the other side," as He provides direction through our soul search of Lent through fasting, prayer, confession and repentance. The sea at Lent can be lonely and desolate, but look to the shoreline and listen for the Master's voice. Then go and do likewise.