God's Constant Love

Some sailed over the ocean in ships, earning their living on the seas. They saw what the Lord can do, his wonderful acts on the seas. He commanded, and a mighty wind began to blow and stirred up the waves. The ships were lifted high in the air and plunged down into the depths. In such danger the sailors lost their courage; they stumbled and staggered like drunken men – all their skill was useless. Then in their trouble they called to the Lord and He saved them from their distress. He calmed the raging storm, and the waves became quiet. They were glad because of the calm, and he brought them safely to the port they wanted. (Psalms 107:23-30). 

Recently, I’ve been meditating on Psalms 107, a true passage that reminds us of God’s constant love; his capabilities, and his unchanging hand. But of all the reminders this passage provides, I was especially drawn to the passage about the sailors, as I believe we’re all personally, and certainly collectively as a nation, sailing against winds far beyond our control.

While some of us may not know much about naval culture, let’s apply this scripture to a more applicable situation. Picture it: You’ve just received a degree to practice as a Registered Nurse (R.N.). Your family is proud, you’re amped to shine your light in a hospital that has helped millions and has been deemed the world’s research epicenter, and then a pandemic hits, where there’s not only a threat to your health and safety, but at an alarming rate, so many lives can’t be saved by a disease in the early stages of research. 

Or, you’re a culinary genius who was once working as the lead chef at a Michelin Star restaurant, but then God calls you to leave and open a restaurant in a city where tourism is sure to bring a wave of foodie patrons. However, a recession hits, tourism is down and your restaurant is forced to close its doors. 

There are many scenarios like the ones I’ve mentioned above, just fill in the blank with your personal dream, or hope that is deferred. 

So what do you do? 

The last few weeks, Bishop has preached about “Holding on in Faith” but when we’re the sailors on a ship that is plugging underwater, what does that mean? 

How can I possibly spend time in prayer when I could lose my home? 

What do you mean help at the church? I can’t help anyone when I’m the one needing help!

What will everyone think of me if I show up differently? I’m a wreck, and I personally don’t feel like being bothered with anyone right now. 

Those thoughts may sound familiar, as we can all attest to being frustrated, confused, and sometimes doubtful of God’s plan. It takes courage to serve an invisible God, to the naked eye, and He knows that. But what Psalms 107 reminds us is that God can do anything, which is how he reveals himself to us – “The Lord made rivers dry up completely and stopped springs from flowing. He made rich soil become a salty wilderness because of the wickedness of those who lived there.” (Psalms 107:33-34). The highs and lows of your ship don’t phase God. He sent the wind to blow you in a better direction. The direction that you wanted to be steered towards from the beginning; however, you had no clue what was waiting for you on the other side – a stronger attachment to God as well as the promise you’d desired before your journey began.

What I love about this passage is, “He brought them safely to the port they wanted.”  (Psalms 107:30). The sailors had seen all of God’s wonderful works at sea, but they had to be thrown off the boat to land in their desired location. God eventually brought the sailors everything they could’ve asked for, and more. They stumbled, they were shipwrecked, but ultimately received their promise. 

My grandmother used to say, “man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.” He loves to work when things feel impossible. He’s an ever-present God, meaning, He’s always there, even when we think we’re shipwrecked.