Showing posts with label storms. Show all posts
Showing posts with label storms. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Excess Cargo

Have you ever seen a movie or heard a story about a boat caught in a storm, or stuck on a sandbar or rocks and in danger of sinking?  The crew may have started to toss cargo, or even parts of the ship itself, over board in an effort to lighten the load and save the ship.



Maybe, sometimes, life is a little like that boat.

When we find ourselves floundering, pounded by the storms of life, or just plain stuck - perhaps we need to take a hard look at what is weighing us down.  Is there something we need to get rid of in order to lighten our load?

The things that weigh us down and cause us to struggle can come in different forms for different people:

It may be a bad habit.  Or a good one that just doesn't work for us anymore.

Maybe it's an over crowded schedule.

Unnecessary fear or worry.

Alcohol, drug, or other addictions.

Unhealthy relationships.

Excess weight, or other things that may be damaging our health.

Physical clutter in our home or work space.

When there are storms in life that seem to be dragging us down into the depths, ridding ourselves of the excess cargo may be a simple as making a decision and a plan to change.  Some may require the help of family, friends, or even a professional.

There is always one safe port we can turn to in the midst of the storm.

The Lord always provides comfort and shelter to us when we face times of difficulty, grief or despair.  Draw near to Him, and he will provide you with the wisdom to know if there is excess cargo you need to get rid of.  And the strength to help you endure until the storm passes.








Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Don't You Care?

"Lord, don't you care?"

Martha said it...  when all the demands started to make her feel overwhelmed. The long to-do list of running a household, taking care of her family, entertaining guests.   "But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10.40)

The disciples said it... when the storm felt too big, too strong, and they feared they would be overtaken. "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.  
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'" (Mark 4.37-38)

And most of us at some point or another have probably said it.  When all the demands press down on us. When the storm raged around us.  When we feel buried under our worries.  Leaving us overwhelmed, tired, confused.

"Lord, don't you care?"


photo - publicdomainpictures.net


"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5.7)

Yes, He cares.

Even when you feel lost and alone.  He's there. When it feels hopeless. He's working it out for good.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8.28)

Take your eyes off the circumstances.  Stop focusing on the many things. Stay focused on the One thing that matters.  The One who can quiet the storms.

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Monday, November 28, 2011