Live Like Intertidal Fish

Intertidal fish are interesting. They swim closer to the shore, where the waves are more volatile and become more intense during storms. The most intriguing about the fish, though, is not their vibrant colors or the unique traits they might possess, but the way they respond to water. On the outside, it looks like chaotic, dark, misty, eerie, and stormy; nothing a sailor would want to be a part of.

Based on appearance, if you were to ask the fish how they feel about this perpetual violence they experience, they would respond in a very mellow way.

"No problem. Just floating along," they would murmur. "Just drifting wherever the storm takes us." Who knows, maybe the fish are completely unaware the storm is there. For any human being, the feisty waves could be reason to panic - and panic most would.

But the fish, not the fish. They are not effected by the waves. In fact, the condition of the waves and the location the fish are at doesn't appear to be a problem. They have accepted the environment they are a part of and go as far as using it to their advantage. Like any other species in the ocean, Intertidal fish understand their surroundings. Because they are a part of violent waves, what appears rough on the outside is calm under the surface. They bob back and forth, working with the current, weaving back and forth without much effort and swimming. The expression is priceless - as if there is no change in the intensity.

Like all fish of the sea, God made them specifically to fit into the culture in which they live. These fish are made to survive the bleakest of weather. While chaos ensues, they remain as calm as any other species.

We are similar in that we have daily "storms" that are known as "curveballs," "lemons," and other more endearing terms. Most would say these storms are so consistent, it is only fitting to label any good thing "too good to be true." The moment a good thing happens, a bad thing follows. The moment a bad thing introduces itself, another bad thing follows. Storm after storm, wave after wave, current after current. They keep coming, and we are often left with are heads barely above water.

Our response to these storms is where we could learn from the Intertidal fish. We get scared. Nerves kick in and we might even blame God or become distant from him. Though he made the waves, storms, and us, it is him we drift from. Sometimes we cry out to God in anguish and present our pleas to God as if we need to persuade him. In other cases, we complain, toss up our hands, or cry quietly until the storms pass.

Though we both experience extreme storms at times, it seems like the little Intertidal fish of the sea have a lot to teach us about these storms.

While no one should feel the need to rationalize why their storms are so unbearable, there is no need to ponder the destructive behavior of these storms when, just like the fish, we are thought of and taken care of. These fish may seem different then us, especially the way they handle pressure. But, humans do not need to be so different than the fish. Just like the fish, God made us. Just like the fish, he gave us distinct and unique features that allow us to adapt and understand our situation as we grow.

Fortunately, God doesn't just show us through the Intertidal fish he made. He also reminded us through Matthew 6:26, which says, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

God cares so deeply about us, that he considers us more valuable than the birds of the air and the fish of the sea - and he cares so much about them. How much more does he care about us then?

As we approach the waves of life, let us be reminded that we are cared for. No storm is too great for God. No tsunami rattles God. He is not hindered by our complex issues; he made you complex so you could stand among those waves with the courage and strength he has given you. He has you, he holds you, and he gives you the tools you need to ride the waves as they come. Most importantly, he gives strength to the weak and weary (Isaiah 40:29), which enables you to grow in character and hope.

The waves often get large, but we have a greater hope in God and his promises. When we firmly plant ourselves on those promises and the mighty hand of God, we can swim as the Intertidal fish do: at peace and content. And, if God's promise to never leave and forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) is not enough, James 1:2-4 is more than enough to provide that everlasting hope:

"Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials (waves) of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Or, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18,

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 

Very wise, those Intertidal fish. Very wise.