We can get into trouble that we didn't make for ourselves, just because we are in the "wrong place at the wrong time," or because our duty demands that we be there. Most times, trouble comes as a surprise. However, there are times that it's just "part of the job." Ancient sailors felt this more than most, because they were completely at the mercy of the storms that came their way.
Psalm 107:23-32 (NASB 1995):
23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters;
24 They have seen the works of the LORD, And His wonders in the deep.
25 For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind, Which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths; Their soul melted away in their misery.
27 They reeled and staggered like a drunken man, And were at their wits' end.
28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, And He brought them out of their distresses.
29 He caused the storm to be still, So that the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 Then they were glad because they were quiet, So He guided them to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!
32 Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people, And praise Him at the seat of the elders.
God rules the storms of life. He causes them. He ends them. And whatever else happens, when you pray, God works. It may seem as if there is no answer at all, but when you pray, He responds. Trouble is part of human life, and God takes responsibility for the troubles we face--but He also receives our prayers, and responds to them. Sometimes it may seem to us (as in Acts 27:21-44) that we are totally forsaken, but our cries to Him never go unheeded. Never. We may wind up on shore after getting there on broken pieces of our ship (Acts 27:44), but it is His hand that guides the currents of the sea, His hand that stills the waves, His hand that helps us find the piece of debris we use to navigate, His hand that keeps us afloat.
Our "desired haven." What a wonderful thought. The blessing of being where you truly want to be, free from harm and worry--that's really God's goal for you. There is ONE final, "desired haven," better than your earthly home, better than the smell of your favorite food cooking, better than a relaxing evening with the best of companions, and that is where God can bring you--forever. He wants to give you the best of all "desired havens," a place with Him forever, where there is no trouble. No sorrow. No loss. Where there are no tears. And where there is no sickness or death.
Jesus spoke of this place when He said, "I go to prepare a place for you."
Wouldn't you like to live forever in a place where there is no suffering, and all is joy and peace? That is what God has planned for you, if you want it.
And if you want it, just lift your heart and your voice to Him, and say, "I want to be with You, Lord." I don't understand everything, but I want to be with you."
And if you're in the midst of trouble, call out to Him in your misery. Ask Him for His help. Let Him open His heart toward you, and love you as only He can. He will enfold you in His mercy and love, and you WILL find His rest and peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment