Repost from January 2017 . . .
In the past week or so, I have bid a "Happy New Year" to many of my friends and family, for that is what I wish for them. I want all of my loved ones to be happy and for all of their hopes and dreams to come true this year.
But the fact of the matter is that no one knows what a year will bring.
We live here, on Planet Earth, in a sin-cursed world and we all know that every day of the year will not be "happy." There will be times of discouragement, sickness, confusion, discord, sorrow, weariness, uncertainty, and maybe even death.
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| On the Sea of Galilee ~ photo by our son Ryan ~ |
On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
I have shared this poem before; it is one of my favorites. And I thought of it as I looked at Ryan's pictures at the Sea of Galilee and as I mused on the account of the storm on the sea.
The Age-Long Minute
Amy Carmichael
Thou art the Lord who slept upon the pillow,
Thou art the Lord who soothed the furious sea,
What matter beating wind and tossing billow
If only we are in the boat with Thee.
Hold us in quiet through the age-long minute
While Thou art silent, and the wind is shrill:
Can the boat sink while Thou, dear Lord, art in it?
Can the heart faint that waiteth on Thy will?
That is the secret to living in the New Year.
The knowledge that, if we are His, He is in the boat.
A quiet trust that He is there, no matter the storm, no matter the wind, no matter the waves.
Even if He is silent.
Even if it appears that He is sleeping.
He is there.
And He is lovingly in control.
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| Sea of Galilee ~ photo by Ryan ~ |
So let us be strong of heart. Let us be resolute! Let us meet the easy and the challenging, the happiness and the sorrow, the calm and the storm of the new year, with quiet confidence in the One who is the ruler of the wind and the waves.
Amen. What a good word. I have read it expressed this way, “I’d rather be with Him on a rolling sea than to be on a calm sea without Him.” That photo is very cool.
ReplyDeleteSo true!!
DeleteOops! It took off before I was ready. (story of my life really ☺️) Also, one of my favorite quotes on the topic is this: Sometimes The Lord calms the sea and sometimes He calms the child.
ReplyDeleteAnd I like this one too . . .
DeleteSuch an encouraging word for me, you have shared, Cheryl! I have been on that sea, many years ago, His presence was so eminent!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and for your sweet comment.
Happy New Year,
Blessings,
Sue
I am glad it encouraged your heart, Sue! Those words always encourage (and challenge!) me too.
DeleteHappy New Year to you too!
Beautiful mature thoughts of life with our Lord by our side. Stunning photos of Ryan's! ♥
ReplyDeleteWe learn to trust Him day by day by day . . .
DeleteI love these photos too!
Such encouraging truths! This year, our four little homeschoolers memorized a few similar poems that I've found so encouraging and bolstering - "God Will Bring" (from Helen B. Dole's translation of Heidi), "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" (by William Cowper), and "Verses upon the Burning of our House" (by Anne Bradstreet). I'm so thankful for the writing and encouragement of believers who've gone before us!
ReplyDeleteI, too, am thankful for that! And I love that you are bringing those words to your children! I think it is so important to give them deep truths to ponder!
DeleteEncouraging words and beautiful photos by your son. May God bless your new year with a closer walk with Him!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that blessing, Ellen . . . and may it return to you!
DeleteI just love this so much. Such sweet encouragement. ~He IS in the boat, a quiet trust (super hard for me), even if He is silent, He IS there. Mercy, this so tugs at my heart. Lord bless you New Year. <3
ReplyDeleteThat quiet trust can be hard for our human natures! I am glad these words are an encouragement to you, as they are to me.
DeleteBlessings in your New Year too!
Ahhhh Yes! Jesus is at the helm. And everyday we must wear the uniform of Joy!
ReplyDeleteThat is the comfort, isn't it . . . that Jesus is at the helm!
DeleteWhat wise and comforting words. Thank you for writing this, Cheryl. It's a beautiful encouragement as we begin a new year of unknowns. My trust is in the Lord - not in the things of this world.
ReplyDeleteHe is our only hope, our only trust. Thank you for your feedback, Becki!
DeleteBeautiful words of faith and truth for 2020! So thankful that my Lord is quietly calming the stormy waters, even when we think He must be asleep!
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful too! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Rosella!
DeleteI've been hanging on to this post in my mailbox until I could read it...internet issues...so glad I did! What beautiful truths you have shared here and the excellent photo of Ryan's was a perfect accompaniment. You know I can totally relate to the unknowns that we must face during any new year, last year in particular for me...and it looks like I will be picking up where last year left off...still many unknowns! But really, doesn't that include all of us? I am so thankful for my Lord that never sleeps nor does he slumber! So.....how about Faithful New Year!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Debbie . . . I know that you can relate to those "unknowns"! I continue to pray for you! And I like that: "Faithful New Year!!"
DeleteA good word in these unsettling times...many sick friends, uncertain outcomes ... a loving reminder of Who holds our future as we move into a new year. Thank you, and "happy new year" to you all!
ReplyDelete"Unsettling" all around us! I know that I need frequent reminders that it is HE who holds my future as well as the futures of those who I love. Oh, how we need Him!
DeleteBlessings on your New Year too!