Thanksgiving at the End of the Storm
Scripture Reading — Psalm 107:29-32
They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks. . . .
In 1928 the American author John A. Shedd wrote, “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
In the history of shipbuilding, some improvements have come with technology, but most improvements are made in response to disasters at sea. The sinking of the Titanic, for example, made clear that there should be enough lifeboats for all passengers. After the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska, new oil tankers in the United States are fitted with full double hulls. These requirements, born of past disasters, have saved lives and prevented further disasters.
Knowing the history of shipwrecks and disasters, mariners take all storms seriously. There is a sense of relief when any storm passes and the waters grow calm. When the ship can sail safely through a storm, the crew can work calmly and make their way to the next port of call. But they remember it happened.
The seafarers described in Psalm 107 had that sense of relief. Their ship was spared, and they arrived safely at their destination. Safe passage calls for thanksgiving!
Looking back at the storms of your life, are you thankful to God for bringing you through? Can you see his unfailing love and wonderful deeds for you?
Dear Lord, protector of all life, thank you for the wonderful deeds you have done in my life. Thank you for guiding me and hearing my prayers. Amen.
About the author — Jason Zuidema and David Rozeboom
Dr. Jason Zuidema is executive director of the North American Maritime Ministry Association (namma.org) and an elder in the Église réformée du Québec. David Rozeboom serves as chaplain at the Montreal Ministry to Seafarers of the Christian Reformed Church (ministrytoseafarers.org). The authors thank Kevin Walker, NAMMA director of programs, for editorial assistance.
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