A Promise for Safe Passage

Someone has said that “A ship is safe in harbor, but that is not where it is meant to be…” Sometimes safety is prudent, and “sticking close to home” is wise when we are unable to fully define the course ahead. However, timidity can be diminishing. Our personal world will not expand until we push into the wider world of potential, opportunity, adventure, and dreams. Knowing that the passage may be rough at times, we just have to suck it up, move out of our comfort zone, and face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Not long ago, I was asked what advice I would now give my 20-year old self if I could. After some thought, I believe some of the wisest guidance I would haven given myself as a still naïve and unsure young man who was taking substantial steps to leave the home harbor would have been to carefully plan my life against the background of Psalm 15 and Proverbs 3:5-9:

“O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?
He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved,” (Psalm 15:1-5)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.” (Proverbs 3:5-9)

Those verses are profound. Although one can’t lead a perfect life (which is the reason God forgives and redeems us through Christ) one can live a devoted life. Freedom from hurt or suffering is never guaranteed. However, there is a promise that if one seeks God and heeds His wisdom one will find guidance, stability, healing and strength within one’s given circumstances.

Regardless of age, any man or woman can be reassured that their soul will always find safe harbor when they go with God in their boat! And one day while looking back on distant shores, they will be able to pray this prayer of gratitude, “You (have made) known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)