William Shedd said, “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.”
Life isn’t safe. Even those of us who prefer to drop anchor in peaceful ports can still be capsized by sudden storms. That’s an uncomfortable realization. We’d rather believe that we have control. That if we eat a healthy diet we’ll never get sick, if we have an alarm system our house won’t be robbed, if we make smart financial choices we’ll never be poor. That our storm-tracking radar will somehow protect us from wind and rain, and that the plans we make for ourselves will unfold per our schedule. Yet there are times that despite our efforts, the illusion of safety fractures.
A bleak and scary thought if our time on planet Earth were our only lot.
But there is a much bigger picture.
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Our time on this planet is only a small piece of our destiny. While we’re here, there will be trouble – even sudden, inexplicable tragedy. We grieve. We mourn. We hurt. We realize that life isn’t safe. We hold and comfort each other.
And all the while we look to the horizon. Because our overcoming Jesus isn’t done with the story. One day we’ll be with Him. One day we won’t have to battle cancer, crime, and craziness, fires, floods and storms. One day we’ll sail into our home port and He’ll joyfully welcome us to the safety of His presence.
Even today, I nestle into the truth that while storms brew, my soul is safe in His care. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
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