Keys to the Kingdom
Wind is a natural movement of the air and it can be a powerful invisible force to be reckoned with. A few years ago on a warm sunny day, my husband and I headed east to Missouri on a bike ride. On the return trip, we encountered a strong southerly crosswind so Jimmy had to lean the Suzuki Boulevard heavily to the left just to keep it upright. He used counter pressure against the relentless high winds. A gentle breeze is always preferred, but you don’t always get what you want. We had no control over the weather, so he had to make appropriate maneuvers in order for us to make it back home in one piece. I knew I could trust my husband to get us safely home because he’d experienced rough rides before and knew how to handle them.
The apostle Paul experienced dangerous storms at sea in Acts Chapter 27. He and 275 others encountered strong headwinds that made it difficult to keep the ship on course. They had several days of rough sailing as they beat into the wind with great difficulty. They also encountered typhoon-strength winds and had to let the ship run before the gale. Even though the unstoppable storm raged several days, an angel told Paul not to be afraid and to take courage. They eventually shipwrecked on an inhabited island, but no lives were lost and the islanders treated them well.
Smooth sailing is not always on life’s appointment book. Spiritually speaking, I’ve had to batten down the hatches to do my part in keeping my ship from splintering into a million pieces. And that’s why it’s important to know and believe in the Master of the Wind. We can trust God to get us safely through the troubled waters when the breeze turns into an unexpected gale. “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord” (Psalm 112:7 AMP). I like the word “fixed“ because it means fastened securely in position; stable, rooted, or anchored. My part is to fix my heart on Jesus and believe the truth of His Word. Feelings are fickle, so I can’t be fixed on them. Believers are well prepared for a difficulty or crisis when they’re anchored in the Lord and trust confidently in His Word.
One of my favorite songs in the 1953 Lillenas hymnal is “I‘ve Anchored in Jesus,” written by L.E. Jones. The lyrics for verse one and the chorus are: “Upon life’s boundless ocean where mighty billows roll, I’ve fixed my hope in Jesus, blest Anchor of my soul. When trials fierce assail me as storms are gathering o’er, I rest upon His mercy and trust Him more. I’ve anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I’ll brave. I’ve anchored in Jesus, I fear no wind or wave. I’ve anchored in Jesus for He has power to save. I’ve anchored in the Rock of Ages.”
If Christians wait until the crisis hits to batten down the hatches, we’ve wasted valuable prep time. We have to live ready for a storm, not in fear but, anchored in trust and confidence in the Captain who’s never lost a ship. Jesus is our counter pressure against the fierce winds of life. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is for us today: “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (Ephesians 3:16,17 NLT).
The Key: When the breeze turns into a gale, lay hold of The Anchor and ride it out.