I love to set goals, work hard, and stay busy. I like being the girl who gets things done. However, all that striving can cause me to place my confidence where it doesn’t belong.
Self-sufficiency can easily become something we rely on for courage and stability. But the problem with relying on our own strength is that it won’t hold up when the storm comes. This month we are exploring valuable truth found in Psalm 107. Today’s verses show us what to do when our courage isn’t enough.
The depiction of ships being tossed by storms in Psalm 107 reminds me of Luke 8:22-24, when Jesus and the disciples boarded a ship to cross the Sea of Galilee. Some of them were fishermen, no doubt capable of handling challenges a storm could bring. Yet even the experienced group members lost their courage.
As Jesus rested, the disciples rushed to him in panic saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” (Luke 8:24) Just like the merchants in Psalm 107, “their courage melted away.” (Psalm 107:26) We can imagine the seamen as confident men who faced storms all the time. Surely their physical strength helped them handle just about anything.
But even the strongest person can get blown over if he relies on his own strength to save him.
Our own courage can melt away, but God’s strength lasts forever.
When we rely on God for strength, we won’t be blown over when the winds of adversity come. Jesus reminds us where to place our confidence. As we trust Him, He will speak peace to our situation.
Blessings,
Kristine