A Cake And A Cruise

by W.H. Stewart, Glasgow | Category: General | Nov 1969

For Tired Travellers

The first mate was showing us round the bridge of the ship and explaining to us how the ship was guided and kept on its course. There was the chart on which the course was mapped out; the compass which told them whether they were following the course accurately. By the sun or stars they could plot where they were in the journey. The radar screen disclosed ships and obstructions near and far, though not visible to the naked eye. Then there were the safety devices which showed up if smoke or fire were present in any of the compartments of the ship, and, in the case of flooding, whether certain doors were open or shut. Some of the things he told us were rather difficult to understand, but we could see that he knew his job, and we felt quite at ease. Much of what he told us could well be applied to ourselves as we sail life's sea.

We asked if it were true that in the very centre of a storm there is a spot of almost absolute calm. He confirmed that this was so, and that he himself had experienced the uncanny situation in the West Indies some years back. The difficulty was to know where the centre was and keep therein.

Oft-times in life's storms we are tossed to and fro and are at our wits' end. We have battled against wind and waves and our remaining strength is small. Oh for a centre of calm; for some respite from the batterings! Where is the centre? It is in our Lord Jesus, who said, "In Me ye may have peace; in the world ye have tribulation". Oh that we could abide there, right in the centre of His will!

"In the centre of the circle of the will of God I stand;

There can be no second causes, all must come from His dear hand.

All is well for 'tis my Father, who my life has planned,

Shall I pass through waves of sorrow? Then I know it will be best;

Though I cannot tell the reason, I can trust and so am blest;

God is love, and God is faithful, so in perfect peace I rest".

Paul knew that bonds and afflictions waited him in every city. Was it sheer recklessness or total abandonment to God's will that caused him to say, "I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course"? Amidst life's fitful fever he had reached the Centre, he had learned the secret, "I can do all things in Him that strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4.13).

So for tried and tempted and tired travellers what? Come to the Lord Jesus as you came at the first, unburden your hearts and tell Him all. Hear Him forgivingly say, "In Me is peace". And as the love of Christ envelops your soul and you hear His love-whisper, "Abide in Me", your joyous soul will respond, Amen! Hallelujah! and the old familiar strain will be heard again,

"Safe in the arms of Jesus,

Safe on His gentle breast,

There by His love o'ershaded,

Sweetly my soul shall rest".

Maranatha

W.H. Stewart, Glasgow | Nov 1969
General