Down to the Sea in Ships

Some went down to the sea in ships,

doing business on the great waters;

they saw the deeds of the Lord,

his wondrous works in the deep.

For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,

which lifted up the waves of the sea.

They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;

their courage melted away in their evil plight;

they reeled and staggered like drunken men

and were at their wits' end.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,

and he delivered them from their distress.

He made the storm be still,

and the waves of the sea were hushed.

Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,

and he brought them to their desired haven.

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,

and praise him in the assembly of the elders. Psalm 107:23-32

This Monday the trolling season begins. All across Sitka, boats are being readied and folks are packing in supplies and crews. Many folks come to help relatives for the summer season, aiding with the catch. With the tourists from the cruise ships and anxious, excited fishermen the town is a-buzz. It is remarkable how a sleepy little village can come to life all of a sudden, and equally remarkable how fragile life can be so close to the edge of the ocean.

The psalm appointed for today reminds us of the dangers we live with as people trying to make a living. Here on the Pacific Rim, in Alaska, we know too well how dangerous life can be. Every year many are lost at sea, by sudden storm and accidents. And yet we are reminded to trust God and to pray. God has brought those tossed by storms to safety and rescued lives from danger, making them children of a living God and giving them safe haven and rest. God will also respond to this generation, keeping us through the storms of life and sheltering us from the wind and waves.

Today I ask God to help me put my whole trust in divine love. May we all find shelter and protection in our hard times and our rough seas. May we cry out to the Creator knowing that God is more ready to respond than we are to ask.