End of Story

   

    How would you best describe yourself:  a wanderer in the desert with no place to settle, a chained prisoner sitting in darkness, a rebellious fool suffering because of his own iniquities, or a merchant on the high seas who loses all courage when caught in a tempest?  Psalm 107 offers us quite the comparison.

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    At the moment, I relate most closely to the merchant at sea.  Here's the deal:  I am going about my business appreciating the wonders and the deeds of the Lord, when BAM:  God (don't miss that--it is God who) raises up a storm. 




 

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    And this is no ordinary storm.  It's a Jonah-sized tempest with violent winds and raging waves, the kind of powerful whirlwind that takes Elijah to heaven.  Up and down I go, reeling and staggering like a drunkard, while my courage melts away and I find myself completely and miserably at wit's end.  

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    I am so thankful that God is merciful at a time when I need His mercy the most.  Remember I'm reeling and staggering, completely out of balance and sick at sea.  

    Storms have a way of beating a good deal of courage right out of our souls.  We see Storm, eat Storm, breathe Storm, feel Storm, talk Storm, and hear Storm.   Storms overtake us: hook, line, and sinker.

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    So what's a gal to do?  There is only one remedy in such distress.  We bow our knee and cry out to the Lord! 

    It is only God who can still the storm and hush the waves and guide us to our desired haven (vv. 29-30).   Storms push us toward our Creator in an unequivocally intimate fashion.  We find that we need Him perhaps more than ever before.  Seeking His face, if we listen carefully, we will hear His still soft whisper.    Our trust in God is proved tried and true.

    Since we have been given an Anchor for our souls, those who watch us during the trial, should see His glory, strength, and staying power.   Christian, you may be caught in a terrifying storm, but because you have indeed been snagged by God's great love, try hard not to give way to fear.  Instead, delight in His ways.  Ask Him where He's headed and just hold tight.  God knows what He is doing.  End of story.

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Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1