Not Moved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.  ⁽³⁸⁾ And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? ⁽³⁹⁾And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. ⁽⁴⁰⁾And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
                                                                              Mark 4:37-40

Lately I have to admit to acting more like a frightened disciple than a overcoming son of the most high. Maybe it’s the list of things going wrong, maybe it’s a longing to be safe…maybe…just maybe…it is a lack of faith. The disciples were afraid and Jesus was still in the boat with them…have I forgotten that He said, “I am with you always”…have I?

The truth is that I didn’t forget, I just didn’t believe it…somewhere deep inside I looked at the rocking and rolling boat I was in and decided that the waves were stronger…imagine that…me, Christ follower for over 40 years…doubting His master.

How is it that ye have no faith?

I think it begins when we take our eyes off Him and believe the lies of circumstances. It continues when the seemly relentless waves of trials appear ready to toss you overboard into the depths of ruin.

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” C.S. Lewis

My peace comes in spite of my circumstance because I am with Him…abiding, focusing, and communing with the Lord of the winds and waves. Then the waves take on a whole new meaning…they become very effective teachers. I wrote this poem a few years ago and I believe it can explain what I mean.

Not Moved

Planted, granite like.
I stand up to the waves.
Crashing waves,
cold, relentless.

The flash of the storm,
quieted.
The wet warmed away
by sun.

Rays expose a cliff changed,
not moved.
Revealed,
not moved.
Shaped,
but not moved.

Jay Cookingham – September 23, 2002 ©

Can I encourage you that the Lord is with you through your storms and will cause them to “be still”…trust and believe…Lo, He is with you always!
Blessings,
Jay

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