I read a friend's blog this morning (www.shelleyhendrix.org) and it really resonated with me...about our period of waiting and how exhausting it is. As I have stewed on it in my mind, the imagery of a ship keeps taking over my thoughts. Perhaps it's last night's burrito and too many episodes of "The Deadliest Catch," but I think, rather, that the Holy Spirit is trying to speak some encouragement and teach me a lesson about worshipping God with my life.
On the high seas, when the wind and waves are relentlessly coming after you, the boat is on a continual course of UP and DOWN, and UP and Down. You crest the wave, and then go crashing down in an explosion of sea spray; you crest the wave, and then go crashing down in an explosion of sea spray...over and over the seemingly endless cycle repeats.
But during this time, you are not simply at the mercy of the sea. No, you have to work hard to keep the ship oriented to the waves so that you're taking them at the proper angle. If you don't, you'll capsize for sure! And it takes work to do this...it is continual labor to keep the bow of the ship pointed the right way. In fact, sometimes you even have to go off course from the direction you want to be going in order to keep the boat oriented properly. This constant up-down-correct-up-down-correct cycle is maddening, but it is necessary to preserve the ship.
Moreover, in the old days, sailors had to keep their eyes on a fixed point (usually land formations or lighthouses) in order to keep their bearings. These could only be seen from the CREST of the wave. When they went crashing down into the trough, nothing could be seen but the enormity of the wave around them. It wasn't until they crested the next wave that they could see their destination again.
This morning, the Christian life feels very much like the boat in a stormy sea. It is very frustrating and very disappointing to be stuck in this storm; this continual up-down-up-down cycle. I praise God for the wave crest, where I can glimpse the prize and the destination; but I am filled with hurt, disappointment, and sometimes a loss of hope during the troughs (which, by the way, seem to be much more lengthy than the crests). It's hard to keep my focus on praising God during those times. But indeed, even in the troughs, His hand is still on me. And even though it seems that we have veered off course during the storm and we're not headed toward our destination, the destination remains. IT is the fixed point to which we sail. GOD'S WILL remains constant in this ever-churning sea on which we now struggle.
Living a lifestyle of worship means that we keep orienting our lives to handle the waves that come at us. Even if they seem to take us away from the final destination, God's will cannot be thwarted and we will find our way there. Unfortunately, sometimes we may shipwreck (Paul - Acts 27) and be detoured. But God will always use that time, if you're surrendered to Him, before moving you on to the final destination of where He wants you to go (Acts 28).
So be encouraged! If you're in a storm, however tedious it may be, keep working to orient your ship (do the things you know to do). Enjoy the crests when you can, and be diligent in the troughs. God will bring you safely to the next destination in His due time.
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6 comments:
Good words, my friend. And a great analogy. Having gone through those kinds of times for the same reasons, I can honestly say that this is just a season and there will be an end to the frustration and heartache and hopelessness. And I'm not talking "when we all get to heaven". Keep your eyes fixed heavenward, this kingdom of heaven on earth, and trust the one who made you and gave you a purpose.
And I'm so glad you blogged again. Chris and I are praying for you with the job situation, and for your marriage, that it may remain strong. We love you and your sweet family and are blessed to have you in our lives. We'll see you soon!
Very nice analogy. Taking it further, I believe that even in the troughs we can hear from God, making course corrections even when we don't have the reference point in view. It is certainly more difficult, but that is when community becomes pivotal.
So many lose faith in the troughs, as the disciples did in the boat, during the storm while Jesus slept. But at least the disciples cried out for help. Too many of us simply think we must find our own solution for the storms in which we find ourselves. But as you said, His hand is still on us. We must therefore be diligent in calling out to Him, and listening for His voice. Thanks for this reminder, Gary.
Nice. Might just have to link this today!
Doldrums, for me, are sometimes worse than troughs. With troughs, you have an oncoming wave to look forward to, and a known battle to fight. Although waiting may seem easier then, I find waiting and seeking and listening more difficult in the doldrums than in the troughs. In the troughs, I'm eagerly looking for messages, signs, direction.
That's a good point, thirsty. Sometimes treading water, even when the water is calm, can be incredibly difficult. Swimming but not going anywhere, stuck in the same place for what seems like forever. I've definitely been there.
Great thoughts Adam and Thirsty - thanks for adding them to the discussion! I totally agree with you both. That's just another reminder that we need to be constantly seeking His hand of guidance and listening for His voice. Seems like that would be an easy task...if only it were.
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