Anchored In Faith

The Might and Majesty of Nature

Close your eyes for a moment. Let your senses tune in to the might and majesty of nature. Listen closely. Can you hear it? The relentless roar of the vast, deep ocean, waves crashing with unbridled fury. The shrill cries of the wind, whipping and swirling, a force both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

You're no longer in the confines of this sanctuary; you're on a ship, adrift amidst the stormiest of nights. The vessel, though sturdy, is at the mercy of the elements. With every rolling wave, it's lifted high only to be dropped into the troughs of the vast liquid mountains, groaning under the strain. Saltwater sprays across the deck, as sailors clutch the rails, fighting to maintain their footing, their shouts barely audible over the cacophony of nature's wrath.

The darkness is near total, the moon and stars cloaked behind thick clouds, leaving only the occasional flash of lightning to reveal the enormity of the tempest. Each ship in this vast expanse, though distant from the other, faces the same peril, their paths unknown, their fate uncertain.

But just when despair threatens to sink deep, a glimmer emerges from the void. At first, it’s nearly imperceptible, a mere flicker. But as the ships draw closer, it grows stronger, brighter. Through the dense fog and rain, a beacon of hope shines - the lighthouse. Majestic and unwavering, it stands tall against the tempest, its light cutting through the gloom like a radiant sword. It's not merely a fixture of stone and light but a symbol, a promise.

You can open your eyes.

To the sailors, this isn’t just a route to safety, it's an affirmation. A testament that amidst life's most tumultuous storms, amidst the waves of challenges and torrents of doubts, there exists a constant, an steadfast guide.

A Cacophony of Distractions

Because in the vastness of the ocean, a ship without a compass is lost. It’s a small instrument, but its significance is monumental. This navigational tool discerns direction when all seems alike. However, a ship's journey is filled with distractions: conflicting winds, deceptive currents, and even the allure of unknown lands. It takes a skilled sailor to trust the compass, to rely on its steadfast guidance, even when everything else points in a different direction. So it is with our lives. We are constantly bombarded by voices that tell us where to go, how to think, and what to do. There's a cacophony of distractions, each more enticing and demanding than the last.

The allure of materialism, the seductive call of instant gratification, and the siren song of societal approval often drown out our inner compass of spiritual direction. This week we're going to be in Colossians 3 - so if you have your Bible, go ahead and open it up, we're going to start right at the beginning.

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

— Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)

When Paul penned these words to the Colossians, he was addressing a community torn by different philosophical and spiritual views. They too grappled with distractions, not unlike our modern-day dilemmas. In this epistle, Paul doesn't merely remind them of their identity in Christ but also provides a directional focus, much like that trusty compass on a ship.

Seeking "those things which are above" is a clarion call to elevate our gaze, to look beyond the immediate and immerse ourselves in the eternal. The North Star, in its silent splendor, doesn't force ships to follow it, but it remains a reliable point of reference. Christ, in His resplendent glory, calls us to a similar unwavering focus, a unity in purpose.

In practical terms, setting our minds on things above requires intentional efforts.

Daily Devotions: Immersing ourselves in God's Word daily is akin to a sailor routinely checking his compass. It recalibrates our thoughts, aligns our actions, and offers direction. Even a few moments of scripture-focused mindfulness can set the tone for the entire day.

Gratitude Practice: Remember the calm after a storm? The profound relief and gratitude a sailor feels when he touches solid ground? A heart steeped in thankfulness perceives God's hand even in the minutiae of life. It's no surprise then that a heart full of thanks indeed sails smoother seas. Like a ship, majestic and in its prime. It’s faced many a storm and emerged unscathed. Yet, as we’re about see in the next part of Paul’s letter, that over time, without the proper care, it can gather barnacles beneath and rust can corrodes its hull. The ship's once robust momentum wanes, making it susceptible to even the mildest of storms. Continue with me in vv. 5-9.