Are you longing for a safe harbor?

Do you long for a safe harbor?

Ships are safe in the harbor, but….

That’s not what ships are meant for. How often do we wish we could be in a harbor, resting in a peaceful place away from this confused, evil world? Just to be somewhere away from the overwhelming waves of suffering and heartache and the violent winds of chaos and violence.

But just as ships aren’t built to stay in the harbor, we aren’t meant to live outside this world. We are created and placed here on earth at this time for a purpose and a mission. What Jesus prayed to His Father concerning His first disciples is true for us today. “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, … they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world, … as thou hast sent me, even so have I also sent them into the world” (John 15:11,16, 18 KJV). He has sent us into this world to represent Him and to give hope to the hopeless.

Ships are built to perform different tasks. Each type of vessel serves its designed purpose. It might be a container ship, a tanker, an aircraft carrier, or a cruise liner. Although they differ in type, each is prepared to face the fierce waves and strong winds they may encounter at sea.

Each of us is uniquely different, and we have different jobs. It doesn’t matter what our position or responsibility is; we all face the crushing waves and powerful winds of a sin-cursed world. It might be a heavy trial involving our health or finances. It could be the devastating circumstances of a wayward child, a broken marriage, or the shocking betrayal of a close friend. It may feel like our vessel will be overwhelmed and pulled under. The Apostle Paul understood this feeling. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” (2 Corinthians 2:8-9 KJV).

Remember when the disciples were in a terrific storm? Scripture describes it for us in the Gospel of Mark. “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full” (Mark 4:37 KJV).

The disciples were terrified and cried out to Jesus, asking if He didn’t care that they were about to die. They questioned both His love for them and His ability to help. Sometimes, we may feel the same way. Our hearts may cry out in agony to the Lord, “Don’t you see what is happening? Don’t you care?”

When the disciples woke Jesus, who was asleep in the back of the ship, He spoke, and the storm ceased, and all was calm. Then He asked them why they were afraid. Didn’t they trust Him? Did they honestly think the ship would sink with Him on board?

 When we feel overwhelmed by life's storms, it helps us to remember who is on board our vessel. As children of God, we are in Christ, the Ruler of heaven and earth, and He is in us. We always have the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Jesus has promised never to leave us and that His grace and strength are sufficient. Instead of focusing on the storm and letting fear overcome us, let us focus on Christ, draw close to Him, and rest assured He will carry us through.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10 KJV).