Into Deep Waters. Psalms 107-108; Hebrews 4

May the mumbling commence!

There are certain scriptures that will forever remind me about special times in my life – in Greek those “kyrios” moments.  This passage from Psalm One-hundred Seven is one of those. 

It reminds me of the time I was preparing to leave for seminary.  It reminds me specifically how I was preparing myself to leave my home community and my home church.  I was setting out for deep waters, having faith that God would protect me.  Read it below:

Some went off in ships, plying the trade routes of the world. 

They, too, observed the Lord's power in action,

his impressive works on the deepest seas. 

He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves. 

Their ships were tossed to the heavens and sank again to the depths;

the sailors cringed in terror. 

They reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wits' end. 

" 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 all his wonderful deeds to them. 

Let them exalt him publicly before the congregation

and before the leaders of the nation.  (Verses 23-32)

Going into the deep waters of life is not for the faint of heart.  Terror will come.  Wit’s end is never far away.

So what do we do?  We go anyway, trusting in the Lord.  When the seas rage, what do we do?  We remember the Lord and cry out to God for salvation.

And God is faithful to save.  The Lord of all creation can calm the storm and still the waves.  I cannot help but think of Jesus doing just this for his disciples.

It is the blessing of stillness and safe harbor.  Thank You, O God!  We know that we can come to Jesus with our worries.  Jesus understands.  He’s been there and conquered that.  Read from the end of Hebrews chapter four:

That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him.  This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. (Verses 14-16)

Boldly, we come to find mercy and grace through our Great High Priest, Jesus.  And they are amazing.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out