James 5:8: Steady and Strong
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Andreas Achenbach: Ships in a Storm on the Dutch Coast
Wait for your valuable crops to mature as farmers do, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.
God says: I am always steadily at your back to protect you. I am always watching your path and leading you. I lend you my strength when you weary. I carry you on my shoulders when you cannot walk. I lead you beside still waters and I rescue you from overwhelming storms. I have given you gifts that I ask you to watch over and husband. You need not struggle and fight. You need not gather weapons or seek revenge. All you need do is remain steady and strong in me. I will do the rest. Strengthen your hearts for I am already with you.
We might use the scripture link to reflect on other versions of these verses and consider what gifts God has given us, to reflect on how we might be patient as we wait for our gifts to mature, and to remember that we need not fight . . . we need only remain steady and strong in God as the storms of roll over us.
Images from: https://www.art-prints-on-demand.com/a/achenbach-andreas/ships-in-a-storm-on-the-d.html and https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image?mediatype=illustration&phrase=ocean+storm
The Noontimes 