August 11, 2008
âPeace, Be Still!â?
By Pastor George Van Alstine
Psalm 107 is probably a âPilgrim Psalm,â? written to inspire those who were traveling to Jerusalem for one of the important religious festivals celebrated by ancient Israelites. They came from different places and by a variety of rigorous routes. Some crossed over vast deserts, where it was easy to lose their way, possibly suffering malnutrition and dehydration (verses 4â9). Others risked travel through enemy territory, where they might be arrested and imprisoned for no legitimate reason (verses 10-16). Others became sick because of the rigors of the journey and their own lack of physical conditioning (verses 17-22).
The fourth kind of danger pilgrims might face is the most picturesque:
âSome went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the mighty waters; they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep. For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their calamity; they reeled and staggered like drunkards, and were at their witsâ end.â? (verses 23-27)
What a graphic description of the storms we face in life and the emotional effect they have on us! Weâve all felt our courage melt. We know what itâs like to be at our wits end.
But, like the people in the psalm, we know where to turn for help:
âThen they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.â? (verses 28-32)
Several words are used to show how thoroughly God deals with storms: âstill,â? âhushed,â? âquiet,â? âhaven.â? He doesnât just give out seasick pills; he actually stills the waves, in a deep and lasting way.
When I was a kid those words describing an absolutely calm and quiet state were not very attractive to me. Stuffy adults were always shushing me and making me feel guilty for any loud sounds I made. There was a lot of happy-noise inside of me that wanted to get out, and there was always somebody around saying âShhh! Quiet!â?
Now that Iâve lived through quite a few years of noise, those words sound a lot better. In fact, Iâll take as much calm, peace and stillness as I can get!
Itâs good to know that the great Storm-Stiller is only a prayer away. He promises to answer the prayers of those who cry in their distress and âbring them to their desired havenâ? (verse 30).