The Tribune

By Rev Angela C Bosfield Palacious

THINK of the uncontrollable power of a storm. Harvey is certainly making his presence felt in parts of Texas. In the face of such force we are reminded to be humble no matter how important we seem to be. Tragic loss of life is a sobering reminder of the many who have found themselves going to a watery grave.

At the same time, we know the breathtaking beauty of our seas. The colours are amazing, depending on the time of day, the depth of the water or the whiteness of the sand.

The constant motion has a mesmerising effect. From glassy sea to heaving swells, there is so much to fascinate those with the time to watch the changes. Like moods of the human person, the sea seems to be as changeable and unpredictable.

The creatures that live beneath its surface reveal the variations of God’s wonderful themes. Snorkelling, scuba diving, glass bottom boats and a visit to aquariums are some of the best ways to see them in their natural habitat.

Life is like an open sea. There will be great days with smooth sailing and there will be rough seas. Be prepared for any possibility.

How would you answer the following questions?

1. What keeps my boat from capsizing when the waters of life get too rough?

2. Do I call out to the Lord to be for me the anchor that will surely hold?

3. Since I do not know what the next moment will bring, is my life being directed by the gentle breeze or mighty wind of the Holy Spirit?

4. How prepared am I right now if storm winds of adversity blow my way?

Have you ever felt like Jonah?

“From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: ‘In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, ‘I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.’ The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit. ‘When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple’. “(Jonah 2:1-7).

Have you ever felt that peace that passes all understanding in the midst of the storm?

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” (Luke 8:22-25).

Just as we prepare for hurricane season, we need to prepare for each day with its possibility of danger and opportunity for blessing. Just as we listen to the news updates to know what is happening, so too, we need to go into our secret places with the Lord to be attentive to the latest updates from the Holy Spirit.

Time spent with God is dwelling in a portable hurricane shelter. Day by day, we collect the Scriptures we need for living an abundant life no matter the circumstances. Praise by praise, we exalt the name of God on high giving God glory.

Set sail for the shores of God’s Kingdom, and face the future with courage.