At Their Wit's End

Some 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 wit's end. Then 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. Psalm 107: 28-31 NRSV

In one of the Spiritual Gifts books I own, there is a list of three cautions for each gift. For the gift of Mercy or Compassion, one of the cautions is to avoid helping an individual when God may be trying to work changes in that persons life through their current catastrophe.  Doing too much for that person may hinder God's work in their life. 

In this verse, the sailors can already see God's works in the waters, yet it takes God's actions through the storms to make them dependent upon God. God had to do something to get their attention in order to save them. Their bravado and intellegience had reached epic proportions: they no longer recognized God's bounty and provisions.

We don't like to think of God causing havoc to get our attention. We would rather blame it on the devil. But sometimes God must use even dire circumstances to get us on the right track. Once we are there, in the quiet haven, we can then give God the glory and the praise.

God, thank you for all you do in our lives even those things you do to keep us on the right path. Your love shows no bounds. May our gratitude be as great as your love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Name one thing you are thankful for in this moment.

Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims