Stand Firm and Running Towards the Light
While Sheila and I were on vacation, we had the privilege to visit a few lighthouses along the Georgia coast. Most of those lights were nearby the shore and were visitable up close. But one particular lighthouse required a bit of a trek. The day we decided to go, we first visited a Civil War era fort nearby. That fort was large, and the day was hot. So when it came time to visit this lighthouse, we were already a little weary. Sheila told me it was about 1.5 miles round trip, so we decided we had enough energy to make it. As we entered the coast line bramble, it was unclear exactly where the trail was headed. It was long, brush covered and sun scorched. About halfway through, I may have prayed a prayer that the Lord would hasten the rapture, but I can’t really remember. (Maybe it wasn’t that bad – there was a good breeze after all.) Anyway, after a lifetime we rounded the corner, walked out on a pier and there before us stood Cockspur Island Light.
Now what’s unique about this lighthouse is that it's only accessible by water craft. It’s built upon a small strip of oyster shell right out in the middle of the river. But what I found so unique about it that day was its appearance. You see, by the time we got to the viewing platform it was pretty windy. So, after I took a few moments on the bench to collect myself, I looked out at the lighthouse and watched it for a while. All around it the waves were splashing up on its side. Birds were flying about in the wind above it. In the background, clouds were rolling in from the storm in the area. But that lighthouse was stationary – it wasn’t moving an inch. And it stood out to me because of how stark its motionlessness was against all the motion around it.
Because it reminded me of the words of Psalm 40:1-3: "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So, we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!" For over 180 years, that lighthouse has stood on a strong and unmoving oyster shell bed. So whatever whips up around it, it’s foundation is strong, so it’s made strong. And in Christ, if we know Jesus and seek him constantly, we can experience the same thing.
But in order for us to know the kind of stability that light has, God will have to be our “refuge and strength.” Meaning when the winds whip, we run to him. When the clouds gather, it is He who we turn to. And that turning occurs by us calling out in prayer. But more than this, seeking him in His Word daily. You see that lighthouses foundation isn’t just there during the storms, but every day. And we will have to be there with Christ everyday if we are to withstand the winds that will come. So join Him, and join us here as we seek him this July.
In ‘light’ of Him, I’ll see you soon,
Pastor William
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