Step In

Psalm 139:1-12

¹You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
²You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
⁵You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

⁷Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
¹²even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

[Reflective Journal]

The coast appears endless with its battered shoreline. Figuratively, each step representing torrential rains, fierce winds, and angry waves. Do I have the strength to take another step? Just ahead rests an abandoned boat; it’s floating atop glass. Who is the owner?

~Step in! I want to take you for a ride.

Where are we going? Is the destination in sight?

~Blessed are they who believe without seeing for I AM in the journey and destination.

My first step is unsteady as the boat begins to rock and create tiny ripples along the tranquil water. Will this old boat carry me to wherever we are going?

~Fear not, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand for I AM in the boat.

Fear replaces curiosity as the boat glides into the deep. You said we were going somewhere, but I didn’t know it was out this far! I can no longer see the shoreline and deep waters surround me. Your voice has become suddenly quiet. Did you bring me here to abandon me?

~When you pass through the deep waters, I will be with you for I AM in the waters.

The ripples have faded, and the boat is still. My face reaches for the sky only to be battered by the wind. The sun appears to unleash his rays like fire upon my head. The boat begins to shake like an animal at a feast. Why did I agree to come on this journey? Where are you?

~Wind, fire, and earthquake…for I AM in a still small voice.

You bring a rainbow to show me life, but the fiery darts have multiplied. Will we ever make it to our destination for I am weary? You never told me where we were going! You told me to get in the boat, but it feels futile. I’ll take the paddles from here.

~Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding for I AM in the paddles.

Trusting the journey is the hardest thing especially when you’ve been called. Waiting. Listening. Growing. Yet, one cannot reach the destination without first going through a journey. Dear friends, this message is for someone who is facing doubt and discouragement. I love how Psalm 139 says it, “if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Simply put, we cannot escape the presence and love of God.

I know some of you are in a season of loneliness, sadness, discouragement, and doubt. This world is becoming increasingly dark. Yet, even darkness is not darkness to God. I pray that we walk in faith during these dark times, and keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. Believer, do not give up on the destination. Our ultimate destination is heaven. However, God has planted earthly tasks in each of us while we are still on this earth. Don’t give up! The journey may be long; Abraham waited for God’s promise as well.

Ultimately, stand firm and claim your position as a co-heir of Christ so your journey may be filled with peace, joy, blessings, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and love.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta

My Deliverer

Step In

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Share this:

Like this:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply