Chaplain’s Corner
We are mentioned in the Psalms
Installment Number Three
Mariner’s Passage - The purpose of this column is to share my reflections on the life of
we mariners and the Creator of the seas. (Proverbs Chpt. 23 verse 34) We mariners have
opportunity to experience the Almighty up close and personal in ways that others cannot.
By George Shannon
Bolger, Microtrawler & Teal builder.
What a treat to come across mention in Scripture concerning the things of
people who play and work on the water. And not just to be mentioned, but to know the hand
of God is upon us and that He calls us out on the water and wants to play and work with
us. Psalm 107:23-32, is where I found the following:
23 Those who go down to the sea in ships,Who do business on great waters;
24 They have seen the works of the Lord,And His wonders in the deep.
25 For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind,Which lifted up the waves of the
sea.
26 They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths; Their soul melted
away in their misery.
27 They reeled and staggered like a drunken man,And were at their wits end.
28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, And He brought them out of
their distresses.
29 He caused the storm to be still,So that the waves of the seas were hushed.
30 Then they were glad because they were quiet;So He guided them to their
desired haven.
31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders
to the sons of men!
32 Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people, And praise Him at
the seat of the elders.
The interesting thing to me as I reflect on going out on the water on a small
pond or at sea, is that it is always life threatening, always a potential for disaster.
Why do we do that? As our wives or husbands often ask. Well, I used to think it was
because there was an element of danger and that is true or that it is just exciting to be
out on the water no matter how I got there or what craft I was aboard. I believe now that
it goes deeper than that. I really think that God is calling us each out there to teach us
about His power and His love for us. Also how He wishes to become part of every detail of
what we think and do out there. I believe because of my own experience that He wants too,
to be part of the building process. I don’t believe our mutual call to boats and
boating is just a hobby, but an invitation to draw closer minute by minute to the One who
gave us the mind, skill and hands in the first place. |
