Tuesday November 20, 2007

[John Atkinson]

STILLING LIFE'S STORMS

"He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waters thereof are still. Then they are glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven."-- Psa_107:29-30.

THIS PSALM contains five wonderful pictures of life. First, we see the travellers who have lost their way (Psa_107:4-9); next, prisoners and captives who sit in darkness (Psa_107:10-16); then we see a sick-room (Psa_107:17-22); next, a terrific storm at sea (Psa_107:23-32); and finally, the lovely picture of a desert land being turned into a fertile landscape (Psa_107:33-38). The refrain, calling upon men to praise the Lord for His goodness, is repeated four times, and the Psalm closes with the fervent thought that all who are wise will give heed to the various dealings of God, as shown in these Acts of His loving-kindness.

In all lives there are periods of tumult and storm. We are whirled about by angry billows, and it seems as though we shall never reach the harbour of peace and rest. Some give themselves up to such experiences as a fate which they cannot avoid, or attempt to drown their fears and dull their senses to suffering and danger. But faith cleaves its way through the murky mists and driving cloud-wrack, and establishes a sure connection with the throne of the Eternal Father. This is what the New Testament calls the anchorage of the soul, and however severe the storm that sweeps over the earth, the soul that shelters there is safe. "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses."

At this moment you may be passing through a storm of outward trouble. Wave after wave beats upon you, as one calamity is followed by another, until it seems as though the little barque of your life must be overwhelmed. Look up to God and cry to Him. He sees you, and will not allow you to be engulfed.

Or you may be experiencing inward sorrow. Your affections have been misplaced; the one you love has deceived and failed you, and the sky is now dark and stormy. The one resort of the soul when it is hard driven, is to look up to Him who holds the winds in His fist, the waters in the hollow of His hand, and who cannot forget or forsake those who cry to Him.

[MawMaw]

Wonderful devotion, Bro Atkinson.

We all have our storms to go through for sure........

And to repeat what you said.........

"The one resort of the soul when it is hard driven, is to look up to Him who holds the winds in His fist, the waters in the hollow of His hand, and who cannot forget or forsake those who cry to Him."

Amen, Amen!

[Inspired-Eyes]

This is a fantastic thread thank you for sharing.
Blessings in JESUS NAME!

[MawMaw]

When my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

Psalms 61:2-3

What a Mighty God we serve!

[diane]

Brother Atkinson
that was a wonderful devotion.

[Just wondering]

Isn't it so nice to know the maker of the winds? He can truly bring us peace in the midst of the storm. If we will only hold fast to his hand he will bring us thru the storm.