The Safe Haven

"Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, So that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; So He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:28-31 NKJ)

Yesterday, Bobbie wrote about the weather and how it conditions us to consider what we may expect during the course of a day. She further developed her thought by challenging us to consider our fears about the future. Her conclusion? Trust the Shepherd.

Her weather illustration got me thinking about the storms that occur everywhere on the earth. Never mind what we call them, they are storms. And they are always dangerous from the human perspective. Yet, I am constantly amazed at the number of people who, in the direct path of danger, will defy every speck of common sense and refuse to evacuate to a safe haven.

I must say that on occasion, in my youthful and less-than-wise past, I too acted irresponsibly about such things. When I remember these personal "afflictions," the shame is like swallowing vinegar. And if I dwell on it too long, my spirit sinks until I remember that I have hope in Christ. For you see, it is only "through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not" (Lamentations 3:22 NKJ).

When we consider this human frailty from God's perspective, we get the sense that he too may be shaking his head, amazed at the number of people who refuse to accept his mercy and compassion. Ever since Enoch, God has warned his creation of the impending danger of his righteous judgment (Genesis 5 & Jude 14-15). A little over two thousand years ago, God provided a way to escape from his judgment into his compassionate mercy and grace. Yet, many people still reject his offer of a safe haven. It truly boggles the mind!

When the weather scientists and meteorologists  give unimpeachable evidence of impending danger many people listen and run to safety, but some do not. It seems that some people ignore the clear evidence of devastating storms from the past. Despite the number of deaths or the destruction from those past storms, some think "it will never happen to me."

Is that what people think about Noah's flood and Sodom and Gomorrah? Jesus used these past events as evidence of the certainty of God's final judgment. I believe him and have hidden my soul in the safe haven of his grace. I give him thanks because His haven will never fail me!

Dear Father, thank you for your compassionate grace through Jesus Christ. Empower me with the faith to endure to the end. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today in God's safe haven,