God’s Wonderful Works

In 1851, Herman Melville published Moby Dick, considered among the most influential books ever written.

It focuses on a ship captain, Ahab, and his efforts to seek revenge against a whale that caused him to lose his leg. Obsessed, he drove the ship’s crew to pursue that whale, known as Moby Dick. But, in the end, the whale destroyed the ship and everyone aboard except the narrator.

Melville’s colorful story was inspired by his own experience at sea. He used whaling as a metaphor to share insights about life. He recognized that many people were obsessed, just like Captain Ahab: “What trances of torments does that man endure who is consumed with one unachieved revengeful desire.” To him, the ocean symbolized the difficulties of life itself, and sharks symbolized “your foes.”

The Bible, too, speaks about the sea and its countless creatures. But for believers, all these things point back to God. We don’t need to worry about whales around us or become obsessed with vengeance or personal vendettas. God wants us to spend our lives surrendered to Him, serving and trusting Him.

As we consider the sea, we are reminded of all God’s creation. God created everything in wisdom. The earth is full of His possessions.

Don’t be worried, afraid, or obsessed. Instead, trust your life to God. Commit your battles to Him. Let Him meet your every need.