Psalm 107 Calming the Storm
--------
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever
Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story
Some went out on the sea in ships;
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
They saw the works of the Lord,
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
that lifted high the waves.
They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their peril their courage melted away.
They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
--------
The ancient Hebrew people were not great mariners. Moses crossed the Red Sea, but first God had to dry it up. Jonah tried to sail away to safety, and that turned out badly. In general, the Children of Abraham did not trust the sea.
This Psalm is dear to sailors because it talks about God's protection in the tempest. For Christians, it is a clear image of Christ calming the Sea of Galilee with a whisper: "Peace, be Still."
Like those bold mariners of old, we are in uncharted seas. If you're looking for calm, turn off the news. You won't find it there.
When you are on troubled seas, look for Jesus.
Listen for his whisper:
Peace, be Still
--------
Eternal Father, strong to save
Whose arm does bind the restless wave
Who bids the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep
O hear us when we cry to
Thee For those in peril on the sea