In my mid-twenties I was a new Navy Reservist on a training mission in the Mid-Atlantic. It was late fall and we were going through a storm at sea. I had been assigned to lookout duty on the aft section of the ship. When my duty was over, and I was going to return to the interior warmth of the ship, I realized that a thin layer of ice had formed over the deck. It was such that you could not walk on the deck without holding on to something. No object was within immediate arms reach, so I had to time the roll of the ship and slide to the next object. I held on and waited for another roll so I could slide to the next object and grab hold. I was aware that the cost of missing the next post could be fatal. I could not afford to be distracted. I had to focus on the roll of the ship and my timing to slide to the next spot. Needless to say, I made it.
That experience was many years ago, so it is strange that the memory of that should come to mind now. Why now? I think it is because in our country we are going through a storm and we are looking for something solid to hold on to. We are being tossed from one point to another and uncertainty and anxiety dog us. There is a real danger that we can be so consumed with our anxiety that it will undo us.
So what are we to do? The first thing we must not do is to panic and allow fear and anxiety to take control of us. We need something to hold onto, something that is strong and steady so we can move through these turbulent times. And what is strong enough to do that? It is the Scripture, The Word of God. We hold fast to the Word and the Word steadies us and it gives us hope.
Furthermore, we need to allow it to sink down into our hearts, minds and souls. If we do that, the Word will nourish and sustain us because the Spirit is present and at work. We also need to pray for strength and guidance and ask, “Lord, what are you calling me to do? What is the way forward of which I need to be at least a part?”
We also need to be mindful that we are sustained and nourished by being part of a community of faith. It is important for us at some point, to share our thoughts and feelings with others with whom we feel comfortable. Continuing to remain silent will not serve us well in the long run. Remember the old Simon & Garfunkel song, “Silence like a cancer grows.”
There is strength and wisdom to be found in the story of Jesus walking on the water and Peter wanting to do the same. Peter was doing fine as long as he kept his eye on Jesus, but when he got distracted by the storm, he started to go down. Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up saying, “Why did you doubt?”
We are not without resources. We have the faith, the Word, the scripture, the church, and each other. Embrace the Word, each other, and the faith, remembering, as St. James said, “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17)
God is not dead; God is alive, and the Spirit is at work.
Thanks be to God!
Larry Deyss
The Pastor in the Pew.
