Lord’s Day, Vol. 8 No. 38
He Maketh the Storm a Calm
Psalm 107:29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
The people of God are bidden to “fear not” in the time of storm. For our God is able to calm every storm and so that the waves thereof are still. This is the assurance God gives to His people. They are to look to Him at the sign of any trouble. He is able to protect them through the vicissitudes of life.
Before the calming of the storm, before the people of God cry unto their Lord, they reel to and fro and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. (Psalm 107:27-28). No solution in sight. No means by which to calm the brewing storm. Such is often the circumstances of life. But we are reminded of God’s presence with us.
(1) Marvellous is “He”
We are instructed to meditate upon the marvelous power of God to act on behalf of His people to help them. We are instructed to meditate upon the mercy of God that endureth forever (Psalm 107:1). When the people of God were staggering in their helpless estate, when they were at the end of their own wisdom. When all seemed hopeless and the ship is sinking, overwhelmed by the beating waves, the storm became a calm. They could only trace their deliverance to Him, their Lord, who responded to their call at that moment of their distress.
Psalm 107:28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
He was their very present help when they called out to Him. And our text in verse 28 alluded to the many instances of their deliverance. In fact, our text alluded to their deliverance out of all their distresses. He was not a moment late to come to their rescue. His hand is not short that He cannot save.
What assurance! What a marvelous record of His consistency in caring for His people. The Bible provides ample assurance of God being there for His people, we are bidden to trust Him and appropriate His care.
Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, andye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 43:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee,I have called theeby thy name; thou artmine.
As the song writer with gladness sings, “How marvelous His love, … How bountiful His grace, … O What a blessed hope. For me He’s coming again someday, O what a blessed hope.”
All who come to God through His Son Jesus Christ by faith, in contrition of heart, repenting of their sins and waywardness, finds salvation, peace and joy, solace and comfort. Marvellous is He, our Lord Jesus, the Word made flesh, God with us. He is able to succour us. The storms of life that come as a result of sin’s fearsome consequence is calmed at the mercy seat, where the blood of Christ was shed to wash us every whit clean. The storms of life that comes as a trial of faith will find God’s people having their faith strengthened when they experienced the marvellous hand of God’s deliverance.
(2) Our Continual Thanksgiving
We are exhorted to give thanks continually to our marvellous God for His care in our lives as we renew our commitment to His care. There is gladness in the hearts of God’s people after He calmed our hearts to ride the storms of life.
Psalm 107:30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
The word “quiet” means “calm”. It speaks of restfulness, assurance and righteousness. God purifies His people, purges them of every faithless dross in their lives, so that they will be holy, righteousness in His sight.
Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
The ship finally reaches the safety of the harbour and the people in the ship disembarked in safety upon the land. What a relief! Surely, there is cause for our continual praise and thanksgiving. When the people of God gather for worship each Lord’s Day, we give thanks to our Lord for He has conquered death for us as we remember Christ’s resurrection.
(3) Resumption of Worship for 12th Week
We give thanks to God for granting the church 12 weeks of safe opening. It is indeed by the grace of God that our church is assembling physically for worship in obedience to His Word for the church of Jesus Christ in the last days.
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Looking at the statistics in Singapore on 18 September 2020, infection rate has fallen to a new low of 11 cases with 1 imported case and 1 in the community. There are 38 in hospitals, 0 in ICU and a new low of 407 in community facilities. There has been 27 fatalities with 57,701 discharged.
We are thankful to the Lord for hearing our prayers, that infection rates has fallen, enabling us to meet for worship physically. Let us continue to plead for God’s mercy in this matter.
While the Lord tarries, let us redeem the time to honour and give glory to His Name. Truly, we are living in momentous times. May the church continue to be a beacon of light shining in this Dairy Farm vicinity.
Psalm 107:31 Oh that men would praise the LORD forhis goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Amen.
Yours lovingly,
Pastor Lek Aik Wee