[This reflection by David Makanjuola was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 17/Sep/2023]
We have just come back from holiday and I spent part of the time wading in the sea, just looking out at the horizon. From where I was, it looked like a straight line and one could understand why people thought the earth was flat and that you could fall off the edge.
The other thing I noticed was the vastness of the sea and how insignificant I was. The Breton Fisherman’s prayer came to mind: “Dear God, be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small.”
I thought about how it must have been for early explorers setting out, not knowing what was out there. Would the sea be calm or turbulent, would they spot land in the distance, would they be able to land safely without being dashed against the rocks? It would have been reckless to head off without a map and a compass, and it would have been very comforting to see the lighthouse as they approached the shore.
As we embark on this journey called life, we have no idea what tomorrow holds. We are, in a way, like that fisherman heading out to sea in his boat. We need guidance, and we need something to bring us ‘safe to shore’.
Dennis’s article in ‘Yours’ last week, talked about our need of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, as the time neared for his crucifixion, was speaking with his disciples and praying for them. In John’s gospel chapter 14, Jesus comforts his disciples with these words.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me [John 14 v1]
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid [John 14 v25-27]
Jesus knew that to navigate life’s journey, we would need guidance – His Holy Spirit, and that as we encountered the storms of life, we would need His peace.
Lastly, as the words of the song ‘My Lighthouse’ remind us, Jesus promises, at the end of our journey, to bring us safe to shore. As he said to his disciples,
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” [John 14 v2-3]
So, as you travel into the week ahead, be thankful for what Jesus offers – the Holy Spirit, who will be your compass, your comforter and the one to remind you that Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you and that whatever challenges lie ahead, He will see you safely through.
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Last week’s reflection: Show Your Power by Dennis Ginter
Contributed by David Makanjuola; © the Author
