Seeds of the Kingdom 9 February 2022
TOPIC: Storms of Life
SCRIPTURE: “Lord Help!” They cried in their trouble; and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. – Psalm 107:28-29, NLT
Seeds of the Kingdom 9 February 2022 MESSAGE
A few weeks ago, we decided to go for a walk, so we drove a few miles to a lovely harbour and inlet about five miles from our home. It was sunny and cold with blue skies and the sea was like a mill pond. The light was so beautiful. It was an idyllic picture. We walked along the promenade reflecting on the beauty of God and His majestic creation. As it felt so sunny and warm, we sat on the sea wall, just enjoying the beauty all around us. We watched as a boat was returning to harbour from away out at sea and we enjoyed the reflections on the still water.
We sat there quite a while, when suddenly there was a sound that got slowly louder. The idyllic scene turned into a loud rippling. Then more turbulent waters and waves came rushing towards the shore. It was the after-effects of the boat, which had by now disappeared into the harbour. As I sat there reflecting on how quickly the scene had changed, I thought how often our lives and circumstances are like that.
Everything is calm and peaceful and seemingly uneventful. Then suddenly something happens which changes the whole scene. We find ourselves in turbulent water, often with our lives turned upside down by a sudden event, the death of a loved one, an unexpected prognosis of illness, the loss of a job or income. Many circumstances can disrupt our daily lives.
Where do we turn to in these times? Do we have that assurance of knowing the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour and His help in the midst of the storms of life? He is our only anchor in the storms of life. He is our safe place to run to for help when trouble comes. He is our ark, that safe and secure place when the flood waters rise.
In the words of the well-known hymn by Priscilla Jane Owens, ‘Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift and the cables strain, will your anchor drift or firm remain? We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll; Fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.’
In these days we need to know that our anchor will hold when the storms come, and we can only know that by being in that safe and secure relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER: Help us, Lord, to run to You when surges of difficulty cross our paths. We thank You, Lord, that You care for us and lead us through the turbulent times that we encounter along life’s journey. Keep us safely anchored to You, the sure and steadfast rock. Amen
