Still Waters

Thursday, June 1, 2023
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Listen while you read: "Take Time To Be Holy"1 (Lyrics)

I am a novice kayaker, and the last time when I was out with a kayaking group, I upset my kayak and fell into the water — not once, but twice! I was safe, though, because I was wearing a lifejacket and because the kayakers support each other and came to my rescue. Learning to read the water on the river, watching for rocks big and small on the riverbed, and having the right gear are all important when kayaking. When we went through the rapids, the most experienced kayaker led the way. It was a lovely day on the water, but exhausting, and I will admit, scary at times, too.

There was another boat in a scary situation on the water so long ago. I will set the scene: imagine this event. The wind is howling; the sky overhead is dark with heavy clouds. Thunder and lightning are crashing and booming. The rain is pouring, and the boat is rocking up and down in the high waves. Water is splashing into the boat, and some very frightened disciples are clinging to the gunwales. Some of these disciples are experienced fishermen, a hearty lot at that, and prior to following Jesus, they were on the water fishing for a living. Nevertheless, they are scared, very scared of what might happen to them in this furious storm.

Mark 4:38-41 – Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" (NIV)

Jesus assumes that they had no reason to be afraid, as He was with them. The disciples had a real example of Jesus' power over all circumstances. When we read of this event in our Bible, it reinforces our belief that God is with us in the storms of our lives, too. It is easy to think that we can get through our trials on our own, but remember — we are not alone. Just as the experienced kayaker led the way through the rapids for the rest of us, Jesus is here leading our way through the rough and calm waters of our lives. We just have to reach out to Him in faith through our prayers.

Prayer: God, thank You for leading us through all our good days and not-so-good days. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Nettle <sharonnettle7@gmail.com>
Keady, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thanks for the encouraging words, Sharon.


    We are blessed – Jesus is in our boat – our life.


    Great post and reminder, Sharon. Thanks and blessings!


    Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us! Blessings.


    Thanks for the reminder that Jesus is always with us and takes care of us. Blessings.


    Good example. It seems kind of funny afterward, but not so funny when you’re in the rapids trying not to get bashed on a rock.


    You do such a great job of bringing stories and messages of the Bible to today’s life. Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your insights.


    Sharon,
    I grew up nearby so know the Keady area well.
    Thanks for an excellent message this morning.


    Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your kayaking experience and reflecting how our Lord Jesus is ever with us, to help us through whatever situation we face. He is so deserving of our constant gratitude. Blessings for writing.


    Good afternoon, Sharon.
    You are so right, through all the storms of life Jesus will guide us and be with us.
    Thank you so much for those good words.
    Blessings.


    Thanks Sharon. Sometimes all we need in life is someone to show us the way. Teachers serve so many purposes in life it is hard to put a value on what we have learned from all the teachers in our lives. And Jesus leads the pack. Imagine. Being able to quell the seas. How’s that for a miracle?


    Hi Sharon,
    Your age is unknown to me, but I am impressed that you are trying kayaking and even more impressed how you tied your experience to today’s devotional.
    I am over 80 and do not think it is time to take up kayaking!!!!!
    Thank you,
    (Texas)


    Good morning, Sharon,
    It is a great reminder that we are going to have stormy times no matter what our experience before has been. We will struggle in new and the same situations. God gives us the strength and the support we need to make the right decisions and move forward.
    It was interesting to hear of your experience as you learn to become an excellent kayaker. Even though you tipped over twice you kept going and even attempted the rapids and trusted the lead kayaker.
    Thank you for encouraging us to remember to rely on God in all parts of our life. May you have a blessed day.


    Thank you, Sharon. I’ve been in rapids in a boat but can’t imagine doing it in a kayak! And praise God that we have the perfect guide for our lives.

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