Why We Are Not Afraid

In the past seven days, we have experienced lightning strikes, earthquakes, and now a hurricane. These verses from The Psalmist hold my heart strong:

(1) God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in times of trouble.
(2) That is why we are not afraid
even when the earth quakes
or the mountains topple into the depths of the sea.
(3) Water roars and foams,
and mountains shake at the surging waves.
Selah
-- Psalm 46:1-3 (GWT)

Deo Volente (whatever God wants),
Grateful

The Sailor's 23rd Psalm

I was raised on an island where the sea meets the land. The imagery that inspires me most deeply is ocean imagery. I recently found in my research this sailor's paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm. I hope it encourages you as it does me:

The Lord is my Pilot, I shall not drift.
He guides me across the dark waters.
He steers me through deep channels.
He keeps my log.
Yea, though I sail ‘mid the thunders
and tempest of life,
I shall dread no anger, for He is with me;
His love and His care, shelter me.
He prepares a quiet harbor before me.
He anoints the waves with oil
My ship rides calmly.
Surely sunlight and starlight
shall guide me on the voyage I take,
And I will rest in the Heaven's port forever.

Here's a favorite old song of Seaside souls:
Click here: YouTube - Bessie Griffin: Old Ship Of Zion

Peace, be still...
Grateful

Facing Fear? Pray: "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me!"

I woke up early this morning in a deep spirit of personal prayer. These six words of comfort and assurance from God's Word in Proverbs 3:25 (NIV) were on my mind as I inhaled and exhaled the presence of my Lord: Have no fear of sudden disaster!

When I went to bed last night, the words of an old hymn of the church were among my last thoughts. This hymn was sung at my Grandaddy Gray's homegoing service when I was in the seventh grade. My granddaddy, a boat captain, recognized, like every wise boat captain recognizes, Jesus is the Pilot. Hear now the words of the hymn and have no fear of sudden disaster:

Jesus, Savior, pilot me over life's tempestuous sea;
unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child, Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
boisterous waves obey Thy will, when thou sayest to them, "Be still!"
Wondrous Sovreign of the Sea, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore, and the fearful breakers roar
'twixt me and the peaceful rest, then, while leaning on Thy breast,
may I hear Thee say to me, "Fear not, I will pilot thee."

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

"Crossing the Bar" & "The Sailor's Psalm"

Alfred Lloyd Tenneyson was an English Poet. His classic poem titled, Crossing the Bar was written in 1889, just three years before his death. This is my Dad's favorite poem. He has quoted it to me from memory many times over the years. Because my Dad has spent the majority of his life on the ocean as a shrimp-boat captain, the imagery of the sea is especially meaningful to him when it comes to understanding life and death.

The word "bar" in this poem, for example, has to do with "a final sand bar near a safe harbor before a captain puts his vessel out into the unknown deep". "Moaning" in this poem likely refers to "bad weather". Also, "Pilot" as used by Tenneyson is a synonym for "Captain". It is an endearing title given to "God" by sailors. You might be aware of the cherished hymn, "Jesus, Saviour Pilot Me."

Anyway, here's the passionate poem, Crossing the Bar, by Tenneyson:

Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea.

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark.

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

Also, Psalm 107:23-31 is my shrimpboat-captain-dad's favorite Bible passage. I refer to it as The Sailor's Psalm:

(23) Some went off in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. (24) They, too, observed the LORD’S power in action, his impressive works on the deepest seas. (25) He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. (26) Their ships were tossed to the heavens and sank again to the depths; the sailors cringed in terror. (27) They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits’ end. (28) "LORD, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. (29) He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. (30) What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor! (31) Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them.

IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! -- God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful

The Peace Speaker

One of my favorite songs is sung most beautifully by a dear friend, Tina. The song is titled "Peace Speaker." I believe the songwriter is Geron Davis.

This week I am in Wisconsin, alongside the western side of Lake Michigan, where overnight a mighty storm has blown onto the shoreline. From the hotel window, huge waves are crashing over the rock jetty and beating fiercely against the inspiring Mantiowoc Harbor Lighthouse.

In the midst of this lakeside storm, the lyrics of the Peace Speaker song are on my mind. I share them with you, reminding you that whatever storm you might find yourself in, Jesus is the one who says, Peace be still, not only to the storm but also to those of us who look to Him to make us storm survivors.

Here are the lyrics:

It was such a lovely day and the sun was shining bright.
A gentle breeze was blowing my way, not a storm cloud in sight.
And suddenly without a warming, a storm surrounded my life.
But even in the storm, I can feel the calm, and here´s the reason why.

I know the Peace Speaker, I know Him by name.
I know the Peace Speaker. He controls the winds and waves.
When He says "peace, be still", they have to obey.
I´m glad I know the Peace Speaker, yes I know Him by name.

There´s never been another man with the power of this friend.
By simply saying "peace, be still" He can calm the strongest wind.
So now I´ll never worry when storm clouds come my way.
I know that He is near, to drive away my fear, and I can smile and say:

I know the Peace Speaker. I know Him by name.
I know the Peace Speaker. He controls the winds and waves.
When He says "peace, be still", they have to obey.
I´m glad I know the Peace Speaker, yes I know Him by name.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace. Coming down from the Father above...
ALL JOY!
Grateful