"Oh, Lord Jehovah, God of hosts, who is strong like You? Your faithfulness is around You! You are The Ruler in the magnificence of the sea and You stop the tumult of its waves!" ~ Psalms 89:8-9 (ABPE)
The friends and mentors in my life are amazing, and I have to thank one of them for inspiring today's discussion. ♥
One of my favorite poems in the world is Invictus, by William Ernest Henley.
Out of the night that covers me,
   Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
   For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
   I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
   My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
   Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
   Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
   How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
   I am the captain of my soul.
But, here's the thing... much as I love that poem, and will always love that poem, I am neither the master of my fate, nor the captain of my soul.
And, I know the name of God, there is no question there.
The reality is, while I am absolutely a co-laborer, I know just Who's the boss of me.
As believers, we have backdoor access to the kind of strength and unconquerability Henley is reaching for and declaring.
The reality is, as citizens of humanity, we find ourselves in uncharted waters and in need (communally and individually) of this kind of being unbowed.
There is a storm afoot and most people are being tossed about by waves in one way or another... health, economic, concern for loved ones, things I haven't even thought of.
And, some of us could use a little assist with the world finding us unafraid.
He is there for you friend. His strength is there. His loving arms are there.
If we keep our eyes on Him, if we praise Him first, it takes care of so much.
We know He is in control of the winds and the waves, so why do we worry?
And, why do we worry when we know He is in the boat with us?
When we close our eyes at night, when we rise with the morning sun, might we consider asking ourselves... Is He truly the Captain of my ship?
And, in that moment, no matter what arises, may we choose surrender, may we choose obedience, may we choose Him.
Just as a quick P.S. aside... don't you absolutely love the Peace you find when you read the line "It matters not how... charged with punishments the scroll..." ? Because, (even though it's not what Henley meant) it truly, miraculously, doesn't.
He wants us to walk in His way, yes. But, when we stumble, He is not only there to pick us up, but to stand between us and judgment.
What a nearly unbelievable Truth.
Thank You, God.
"I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the LORD your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:9 (CEV)
"Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm." ~ Mark 4:39 (BSB)
"'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. What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into harbor! Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them. Let them exalt Him publicly before the congregation and before the leaders of the nation." ~ Psalms 107:28-32 (NLT)
"And He saith unto them, 'Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?' Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." ~ Matthew 8:26 (KJB)
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding..." ~ Proverbs 3:5 (CSB)
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
Sharables! ...and, hey, thanks for sharing. ♥
