Stormy Sea Shoes

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:7-10)

I am riding on some stormy seas right now. All the churning is a result of events that took place almost a year ago. Just when I think that the churning will stop, another wave of reminders comes my way to knock me down. The waves speak to me. "Nothing is the same anymore," they say. I consider this. For the every day activities, this statement may be true. About 80% of my life is radically different. The remaining 20% is the part that never changes - the important part. The truth expressed in Psalm 139 will NEVER change. It is a solid rock.

A few weeks ago I mentioned the hymn Jesus I am Resting. At the time, I did not know the writer of the words. A friend recently provided me with the information. The authoress is Jean Sophia Pigott. The hymn was written in 1876 and said to be a favorite hymn of J. Hudson Taylor. Because of wearing my stormy sea shoes, I am going to share the full text of the hymn with you. Perhaps the words will bring encouragement to you when you are wearing "stormy sea shoes".

 "Jesus I am resting, resting, in the joy of what thou art; I am finding out the greatness of the loving heart. Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee, And Thy beauty fills my soul, For by Thy transforming power, Thou hast made me whole."

"O, how great Thy loving kindness, Vaster, broader than the sea! O, how marvelous Thy goodness, Lavished all on me! Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved, Know what wealth of grace is Thine, Know Thy certainty of promise, And have made it mine."

" Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art, And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, satisfies my heart. Satisfies its deepest longings, meets, supplies its every need, Compasseth me round with blessings: Thine is love indeed."

"Ever lift Thy face upon me as I work and wait for Thee; Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus, Earth's dark shadows flee. Brightness of my Father's glory, Sunshine of my Father's face, Keep me ever trusting, resting, Fill me with Thy grace."

Ride the churning waves of change, hurt, frustration, disappointment and weariness if you must, but remember Who made the waves.