A Poem on Life's Stormy Seas
by 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?”
This deeply moving poem resonated with me during my past twenty-one days of practicing stillness. I repeatedly found myself reflecting on the devotional about Jesus in the boat with the disciples. I have often questioned how I react when Jesus is silent and I struggle to find peace.
Here are some reflections inspired by the touching words of Amy Carmichael.
You are the Lord who rested on the pillow, a testament to the profound peace that transcends all understanding, even in the midst of chaos. Your serene slumber amidst the tumultuous surroundings serves as a powerful reminder of the divine tranquility that can be found in surrendering to Your presence. In that moment, You exemplified the ultimate trust in the Father, showcasing that true rest can be found even when the world around us seems to be spiraling out of control.
You are the Lord who calmed the raging sea, commanding the very elements of nature with a mere whisper. Your authority over creation is unparalleled, and in that miraculous act, You demonstrated not only Your divine power but also Your deep compassion for those who were fearful and anxious. The waves that once crashed violently against the boat were silenced by Your voice, teaching us that no matter how fierce the storms may rage, Your presence brings peace and safety to our hearts.
What do the stormy winds and waves matter if we are in the boat with You? The trials and tribulations of life may rise up like ferocious waves, threatening to engulf us in despair. Yet, when we find ourselves in Your company, those fears become insignificant.
It is in the closeness of our relationship with You that we discover an anchor for our souls, a refuge that shields us from the tempests of life. Your steadfastness reassures us that we are never alone, no matter how overwhelming the circumstances may appear. Keep us peaceful through the seemingly endless moment when the world around us feels chaotic and uncertain.
In those times when You seem silent, and the wind howls with an intensity that shakes our very foundations, grant us the resilience to remain steadfast. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the noise of our surroundings, but we seek the stillness that comes from knowing You are with us, even in the silence. Help us to trust in Your timing, recognizing that Your silence is not abandonment but rather an invitation to deepen our faith.
Can the boat sink while You, dear Lord, are in it? This question echoes in our hearts, reminding us of the assurance that comes from Your presence. The answer is a resounding no; Your very being is a promise of safety and security. We are reminded that You are the captain of our souls, steering us through the storms of life with unmatched wisdom and love. Our faith in You serves as a buoy, keeping us afloat even when the waters threaten to overwhelm us.
Can the heart lose hope that trusts in Your will? In moments of doubt and fear, it may seem like hope is slipping away, but we must cling to the truth that hope anchored in You is unshakeable. Your plans for us are good, and even when we cannot see the way forward, we trust that You are working all things together for our ultimate good. Let our hearts be filled with the assurance that no matter the circumstances, our hope in You is a light that cannot be extinguished, guiding us through the darkest nights and into the dawn of a new day.
Oh Captain, our Captain, thank you for giving us the gift to still ourselves so we will know.
Check out our 21-Day Devotional Still
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Soaking Song:
Peace Be Still
by Lauren Welter
Lyrics:
The waves are rising high
I fear my faith is falling short
Why′d you bring me here?
I'd rather be back on shore
There′s chaos on the sea
Water's pouring over me
Father, where are you?
I fear I'm falling overboard
But Jesus, You say
Peace be still, be still
Peace be still be still
With His spoken word
The wind and waves to Him obeyed
And with His spoken word
He asked ′why are you so afraid?′
Do you not have faith?
You've seen and know what I can do
So child, do not fear
I am the Truth, the Life, the Way
And Jesus, You say
Peace be still, be still
Peace be still, be still
Peace be still, be still
Peace be still, be still
You calmed the storm at sea
You can calm the storm in me
You did and you do
You calmed the storm at sea
You can calm the storm in me
You did and you do
You calmed the storm at sea
You can calm the storm in me
You did and you do
You calmed the storm at sea
You can calm the storm in me
You did and you do
Peace be still, be still
Peace be still, be still
Peace be still, be still