By Gail Gritts
Psalm 107:23-31
“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths; their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the Lord for this goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
To me, this passage describes the ministry. We are out there doing the work in great waters. We see the works of God and his mighty wonders. And yet, even the works of God bring us highs and lows. We feel tossed about and at our wit’s end. But then, we cry unto the Lord, and he calms the waves. We are glad to be quiet for a while and to enjoy safe haven.
There is a beautiful old song called Haven of Rest, which reads, “I’ve anchored my soul in the haven of rest, I’ll sail the wild seas no more. The tempest may sweep o’er the wild stormy deep, in Jesus I’m safe ever more!” (Henry L. Gilmour)
What a wonderful thing to come in out of the rain! But not just any haven will do.
Acts 27:12 tell us of a haven, which was not commodious. We can sometimes drift into non-commodious havens. Places where we think we can get away from the storm, but where we find even more difficulty.
One such haven is self-pity. We are driven there by hurts and pride thinking no one will see us or know. As the tears fall and the groaning grinds on our spirits, we should recognize we have moored in a dangerous haven. Psalm 6:6-7, “I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief.”
Another non-commodious haven is resignation to our plight. We give up. We quit trying. The ministry seems too hard. We are weary of the battle. Staying there brings hardness of heart and a loss of joy; not only to ourselves but also to those we are serving. Jeremiah 20:9 “I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.”
One most often frequented is the haven of anger. Moored alongside are resentment and poor judgment. Those who serve from anger will find it colors every outcome, taints every victory, and becomes a fierce taskmaster. James 1:20 “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”
We might think these havens provide sanctuary, but they take a toll. God will not let us stay in these places without rebuke and chastisement. Winding up in a non-commodious haven is a sure sign you are not weathering the storm with your anchor and lighthouse secure!
Making it to a safe harbor produces some distinct results. Let’s turn to Psalm 91:1-16 and we will see God’s description of a safe harbor.
Psalm 91
Verse 1 – “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” We dwell under His shadow.
Verse 2 – “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” We have refuge and shelter.
Verse 3 – “Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” We have deliverance from the storm—the noisome pestilence!
Verse 4 - “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. We have a safe and pleasant place.
Verse 5-7 –Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” We have no fear.
Verse 8, 9 – “Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation.” We have satisfaction and refuge.
Verse 10-13 “There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” We have God’s protection.
Verse 14 – “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”
We have God’s favor.
Verse 15 – “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” We have God’s attention.
Verse 16 – “With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” We have God’s blessing.
So let the storms rage high, let the storm clouds rise, they don’t worry me, for I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God! (Dottie Rambo)
Proverbs 18:10 describes my favorite haven, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” I have found refuge there many times.
If your life’s sea is tossing high or your ministry ship is taking on water, run into His tower. You will find safe harbor, enjoy sweet fellowship, and wind up giving Him praise.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for this goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:31