Devotionals for the Heart: Journey with God through the storms of life

Master of the Sea
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!” 

– Psalm 107:29-31 (ESV) 

When at the beach, my sister-in-law and I like to take our low seated chairs and put them at the water’s edge to let the tide ebb and flow over our feet. When I feel the cool movement of the waves, I marvel at the mighty hand of God. The vast, churning ocean could sweep in and swallow us up, yet He created the moon to hold back the tides.

It takes great courage to sail the seas. Their depths hold many wonders and undiscovered treasures. There are also dangers that come with the unexpected storm or carnivorous creature looking for a meal. Yet each day fisherman and sailors feel the call to launch their ships into unknown, unsure of what they’ll encounter, but trusting the process, their wits, and their training.

Likewise, God asks us to trust in our journey with Him into the unknown. We are called to cast our cares upon him (Psalm 55:22) and seek Him while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6). Much like a fisherman we must be prepared. Preparation comes from learning, training, and practice. The Bible holds the wisdom and keys of knowledge that can help us navigate the waters of life.

Much like a sailor, we must learn to rely on our shipmates: spouses, family members, and friends. No one is expected to sail alone. Some have sailed solo, but we’ll take our example from Jesus Christ’s disciples, whom He always sent out together to teach them to work together. God is our Teacher, but we can also learn valuable lessons from others. If you don’t have a trusted friend or loved one for this type of resource, I urge you to pray for God to show you someone who you can trust. God knows the person you need who will also need you.

When we sail the seas of life with God, there will be storms. Even on a calm, sunny day there will be unexpected storms that rise or high winds that stir up the currents of life. On one such occasion in Mark 6:45-52, Jesus sent his disciples out ahead of him to sail to the other shore.

It started out as a calm, normal journey, but the winds rose so great that the disciples were struggling. Jesus walked out onto the lake to help them. Seeing this, His disciples were terrified because they thought He was a ghost. Jesus told them to take courage and not to be afraid. As soon as He reached the boat, the winds died down and they were amazed. Because of their fear, Jesus revealed the power of who He is: the one who controls everything–even the sea.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) calls us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

When we sail the seas with the Lord, trust is key. Understanding isn’t. It is in our nature to want to know, so we can think and adapt. But when we place all our trust in God to navigate the seas for us, we give up control. We must follow and obey no matter what. Such obedience to God can be scary. But such trust in God allows Him to deliver us to the other side, perhaps changed, but for the better, and with more than we can ask, think, or imagine.

So, friend, I bid you set sail with God. Look to the heavens to find your way and be guided by the Son (Jesus Christ). The wind will not fail you. For it is controlled by the master of the sea.

Let's Pray: Dear God, thank you for your steadfast love and wondrous works for us. Thank you for helping me navigate the seas of this life with you. Help me to trust and obey you in all your ways, even when I don’t understand. I know you will bring me to more than I can ask, think, or imagine, and I give you all the glory. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

*Note from Alexis: Mirachelle’s message reminds me of these two songs: “Oceans” by Hillsong United and “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” by Scott Krippayne. You can listen to the music online via YouTube.

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater.

 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan