The Safety of the Cove
My husband Pat, #MoDawg and I finally got out on the lake in our kayaks for the first time this season.
My favorite spot is on the water so I was in my happy place. We had some wind that day and had to paddle hard to get out of the cove into the lake. We tried to keep from being pushed in to the shore and out to the middle of the lake since we were already tired from paddling so hard.
SO…we headed back into the cove where it was calmer. As we entered, things changed and it was easier to go the direction we desired. Immediately my first thought, and it came out of my mouth…it’s sure safer in the cove! My next thought, especially since I learn so much from the Lord near or in the water, was…isn’t that like God?
What did I mean by that? Psalm 46:1-3 reminds us of His protection over us:
God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,
though its water roars and foams
and the mountains quake with its turmoil.
So not only was this a reminder of His protection in the choppy waves of life, but also of how he leads us in and out of those times of turmoil. And how He plans for us to experience both the turmoil and the calm. We learn in both situations.
Sometimes I look back at the roughest waters of my life and wonder how I made it through and how I even was able to find peace in the midst of them. Simple…Jesus. It’s the only way possible.
At times, I’ve watched Him bring a calm to the situations (many of which I’ve blogged on previously). At times, I’ve experienced calm in the MIDDLE of them. In both ways, I knew He was there, even if my “feelings” didn’t match what I knew.
I was able to claim Psalm 57:1…
Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me,
for I take refuge in you.
I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings
until danger passes.
And though I am so grateful for the calmness of the protective cove, I sometimes long for the deep where it’s choppy and scary. It’s there He proves Himself enough over and over. It’s there I grow deeper in Him. It’s there I can claim His promises of deliverance, on earth or in heaven, however He chooses to give it. It’s there I can experience His unexplainable peace knowing He is in control and has a plan and is a GOOD God.
Friend, if you are facing an apparently insurmountable storm, if you feel like you are adrift in the depths of the ocean with no paddle, will you claim these verses above? And just for more power, here are more you can check out.
Psalm 57, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 2 Samuel 22:3-4, Psalm 23, Psalm 121, Psalm 91, Psalm 5:11
Add your own to this list and I will close with this:
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will do it. Brothers and sisters, pray for us also. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Remember this: HE IS FAITHFUL!!! Now, let’s be faithful followers of our faithful Christ!
Banner photo by Derek Thomson on Unsplash
