We live in a dangerous world, but we have to admit that most of the perils that we face arise because of choices we have made. We put ourselves in harm’s way. We may not have control over our current situation, but chances are that we could have made choices that would have avoided the situation altogether. Things we have done in the past have consequences today. Things we do today will have consequences in the future.
Sailors know about perils. Enemy ships in times of war present direct threats, but danger is not limited to battles. Wind and waves can tear apart the most seaworthy vessels. If the ship is lost, even a good swimmer can only swim for so long. Cold waters can drain energy–and eventually life–from the body, and denizens of the deep can be dangerous and deadly, too. The only way to avoid all peril on the high seas is to never sail. Yet we have sailors, military and merchant. People who choose to face the peril.
Eternal Father, Strong to Save by William Whiting is known as “The Navy Hymn.” Sung to a tune by John B. Dykes, the words and melodic lines inspire a sense of sailing across endless oceans and waves, with our loving, eternal God watching over to keep us.
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Whose arm has bound the restless wave,
Who bid the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea.
As you continue your journey today, know that God is indeed watching over you. He loves you eternally. He will keep you eternally.
Follow the Path!
CARadke
[Use with Peril, day 30 of A Labyrinth Pilgrimage]