Part the Waters / I Need Thee Every Hour
When I think I’m going under, part the waters, Lord
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me
Lord and hold out Your hand
Touch my life
Still the raging storm in me
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford
REFRAIN
I need Thee, O I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
O bless me now, my Savior
I come to Thee
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain
REFRAIN
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the past several days. What is it? What causes me to feel uneasy or unraveled? A hectic schedule? Unexpected interruptions in my day? A heavy work load? Troubles with or worries for my kids? The unknowns of tomorrow? Financial burdens?
Maybe you are reading my list and making a mental checklist of your own. “Yes, I struggle with this or that too!”
I awoke early this morning. I came down to my usual place on the couch and, before I cracked a devotional book, or even my Bible, I spent time talking to God. I was trying to diagnose the cause of my heaviness. Could I pick just one concern and name it the culprit?
The truth is, it was none of them. My problem wasn’t my problems.
Over the years, I have found that no matter what I face, I can be at peace through the power of God.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. – Isaiah 41:10
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
So, if I know this…if I have been aware of this truth “over the years”, how do I find myself feeling anxious and burdened?
It always comes down to one thing…
Do I Trust Him?
Honestly, I know I am not strong. I know, when it comes to answers, I often don’t have them. I know that I don’t want to navigate through the rough waters of life. I want God to captain my ship.
So, I have given Him control. He steers the vessel. But, at times, I sit cowering in the corner of the boat wondering if He sees the rough water around us. Wondering if He notices the rocks up ahead. Fearing that He will allow my ship to sink – The vessel of my hopes and prayers.
But that’s not the God I serve. I’m reminded of the story in Matthew and my heart is comforted.
23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” Matt 8:23-27
The truth is I need Him every hour. I need to hear His voice. I need to experience the peace that comes, not from the absence of my troubles, but from the confidence in my Captain.
Then I find, no matter how great the storm – His power, strength and love speak words of comfort to my heart, “Peace, be still.” And because He is faithful, my soul finds rest.
Lisa - Oh if I would just walk in that truth daily…it’s a moment by moment surrender to Him. Love Selah!
Mark - I NEED YOU, JESUS! EVERY HOUR!