MANY years ago the captain of a merchant vessel found himself in a position of great peril and anxiety. His ship was at the mercy of one of the most terrific and memorable storms that have ever visited our coasts.
Many a gallant bark, and, alas! many a precious life, was lost that night.
Utterly helpless, the ship drifted before the gale; all bearings were lost, a dangerous coast was near, and every moment those on board expected to be dashed on to the cruel rocks peculiar to that part of the coast of Ireland.
The captain’s nephew (a mere child) was lashed to the mast, and doubtless with hearts filled with thoughts of those at home the sailors awaited the death which seemed imminent.
All human aid was hopeless, but the captain who had many times before proved that God was indeed “a very present help in time of trouble,” withdrew to his cabin, and commending himself and all on board to the One who alone is able to save either body or soul, prayed that if it were God’s will they might be delivered out of their distress, and restored in safety to their wives and children.
Then once more he returned to his post on deck. Gradually those on board found that they seemed to be carried farther and farther from the fury of the storm, and to be in comparative calm and security. The noise of the tempest seemed to be left behind, but the darkness hid all knowledge of their whereabouts. Morning dawned, and they found that God’s hand had indeed been over them in preservation and guidance.
Through a perilously narrow passage, between two rocks, they had been brought into a quiet bay, where their vessel rode in safety and security. Not a few hearts were touched, and hearty thanks were sent up to God who had been indeed “a very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:11<<To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.>> God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)).
Years have passed, the captain has long been with the Lord whom he loved and served; he is indeed in the “desired haven.” The One whom he trusted as his Pilot and Guide, to whom he entrusted his soul on the troublous sea of life, has indeed received him unto Himself, “to go no more out forever.”
But what of yourself, dear reader? Have you accepted as your Saviour the only One who can bring you safely through all life’s storms, steer you clear from all rocks and shoals, and bring you in the end to that heavenly haven where the storms and tumults of earth will seem as nothing in comparison with “the glory that shall be revealed.”
Or are you trying to guide your frail bark alone? Oh, give it up, it is a vain task, and will only bring disappointment, ruin, and wreck. Though now you may glide smoothly along, sooner or later the storm will come, and you cannot breast it alone and escape.
But the hands of a once-crucified Saviour hold out life, pardon, and peace to poor perishing sinners. The Lord Jesus gave Himself “a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:66Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:6)). “Himself bare our sins in his own body on the tree” (1 Pet. 2:2424Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:24)). The punishment due for your sins and mine, was borne by the Son of God in agonies and blood that we might go free forever, for “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)).
Oh, as a drowning man would lay hold of a lifebuoy, or a rope flung within his grasp, so may you lay hold of God’s promises by that faith which is His gift! And faith is simply taking God at His word.
Oh, that your cry might be―
“Hide me, Oh my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life is past,
Safe into the haven guide,
Oh receive my soul at last.”
F. E.