5/21/2021 Safely Ashore

May 21 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 13-15; John 7:1-27

Peace, be still!
Mark 4:39
READ PSALM 139:7–12
LISTEN ONLINEIn Papua New Guinea, the Kandas tribe awaited with excitement the arrival of New Testament Bibles printed in their language. To reach the village, however, the people bringing the books had to travel on the ocean in small boats.
What gave them courage to travel across great waters? Their seafaring skills, yes. But they also knew who created the seas. He’s the One who guides each of us across our life’s churning waves and deepest waters.
As David wrote, “Where can I go from your Spirit?” (Psalm 139:7). “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; . . . if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (vv. 8-10).
These words would resonate deeply with the Kandas, who live on an island nation whose tropical coasts, dense rainforests, and rugged mountains have been called “The Last Unknown.” Yet as believers there and everywhere know, no place or problem is too remote for God. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you,” says Psalm 139:12, and “the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
On stormy waters, therefore, our God speaks, “Peace, be still!” and the waves and wind obey (Mark 4:39 nkjv). So, don’t fear life’s deep or turbulent waters today. Our God safely leads us ashore.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
Dear heavenly Father, You rule life’s winds and waves, and I thank You for guiding me safely to shore.
What tempts you not to trust God? What do you need to trust Him with today?

SCRIPTURE INSIGHTIn response to a hostile world that opposed and rejected God (Psalm 139:19-22), David exalts Him and celebrates His character. He’s omniscient—God knows everything about him (vv. 1-4); He’s omnipresent—God is ever-present to protect him (vv. 5-12); He’s omnipotent—God is an all-powerful Creator who sustains him (vv. 13-18). Referring to God’s omnipresence, David asks a rhetorical question: “Where can I flee from your presence?” (v. 7). Nowhere! The prophet Jonah learned the hard way that there’s no place to run from God—not even in the belly of a big fish in the depths of the sea (Jonah 1-2). God issued this challenge to His people who thought they could hide from Him: “Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24 nlt).

Read Navigating the Storms of Life. K. T. Sim