I have always been fascinated with the sinking of the Titanic. I remember watching a movie on T.V. with my parents when I was small. Sitting next to my father, I listened to him explain what had happened that awful day back on April 15, 1912. He made a point to tell me all the money in the world could not save those who perished. It did not matter how rich they were. Or how important.
Even at such a young age, I had terrible empathy and was able to put myself on that ship. As well as I could, I imagined what it must have felt like to be one of the ones who got off that sinking ship; how safe they must have felt. I felt for those who were singing; how brave they were. I felt for the captain; who willingly went down with the ship. I felt for the terrified who went to their watery grave.
I liken this world and the things of this world as a great ship. It is sinking. Friends, it does not matter who you are or where you are — We can not trust in ourselves, our prestige, our riches, our talents, our abilities, our strength to bring us through what is coming upon the earth. Neither, can we trust in any man and/or government.
When the ship is sinking you want to get as far away as possible. When the Tiatanic was sinking, no one was running around trying to find ways to plug up the hole. But this is exactly where I have been for the past few years. Running myself weary trying to plug the holes of the coming destruction by thinking about it, talking about it, shouting about it, screaming about it, raging about it. Being consumed by it.
I suppose I had to get to this place. One of a feeling of complete helplessness before I could see and know, I never could nor will I ever, be able to plug up even one tiny hole of evil. Only God is powerful and big enough.
When a ship sinks, you want to get away as far and fast as possible, or not only will you go down with it, but the under current will drag you with it.
I believe a type of under current of this world are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like — Galatians 5. These things will pull us under if our eyes our constantly on the the things of this world. None of us wake up one day and say to ourselves, Gee, I think today I will practice a little adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like. No, we don’t think such a thing. Yet, we may find ourselves there in some way or the other and wonder how we got there. Even if we find ourselves in just one catagory, it is more than enough to start the sinking process. Hatred and outbursts of wrath started to sink me. Just try staying afloat in that stuff. I can tell you it is like trying to stay afloat in a cess pool of debris and garbage. You come up, hoping for air, only to find there is nothing there but putrid water that has engulfed you. The remedy for that? GET OFF THE SHIP! Get as far away as possible! The Lord is your hiding place! There is no other! Your abilities, strengths, talents, fame, riches, will not save you.
If you find yourself in any of the things written above, I believe the under current has taken you down. And maybe it’s time for you to jump ship or/and get away as quickly as possible.
For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters
They shall not come near him.
You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. — Psalm 32: 7, 8 –
I’ve had my eyes so focused on the flood of filth and deception in all of society that the most important thing I could forget to do, is to extend a lifeboat to anyone else who may be sinking. But how can someone who is sinking themself, offer anything to another? I don’t believe they can. If so, very little. If you find yourself being overwhelmed, remember none of it takes God by surprise. No, not one thing. Let this be your prayer to our Father:
Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy. — Psalm 61:1-3 –
One last thing I remember about watching the Titanic movie with my parents: I remember feeling very safe as my father held me close to him. How much more God wants us to know this about Him? That we are safe, eternally safe, if He is our Father.
A note about the the 2nd video below: It was made in the 1950′s. If you pause it at 4:13, you will notice the painting says, “The Approach to the New World.” Look at it closely. What do you see? The Statue of Liberty and war ships. I found it interesting and odd.
Violinsounds:
JMFiorato1986:
Oct 02, 2012 @ 18:29:18
I had a dream last night. In it I saw a door with the number 6 and 1 on it. I was in Philadelphia. I found that this church as related in scripture of Revelation 3:7 that Philadelphia was the church of the open door. It stood apart from the other 6, but was part of the seven churches messages. I just was astounded.
I read Psalm 61 also. That was today, October 2, 2012. How amazing that you have written using that particular scripture. So, it comes as a confirmation to me. Your other scripture reference of Galatians 5 is the antidote. Really,
how amazing is God. There is no other. Blessings.
Oct 02, 2012 @ 21:36:28
Blessings to you, too, Denile.
Oct 03, 2012 @ 04:42:05
Hello Redeemed Hippie: I have appreciated many of your articles. I did sense that perhaps you were angry inside (which is not all bad). Seems that our wonderful Lord has taught you some great truths lately. This post is very much appreciated. I forwarded it to my daughter. She struggles with depression and other maladies. Perhaps your article (written because of where you are in life) will be the thing that the Lord uses of wake her up. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
Oct 04, 2012 @ 20:26:29
robertdavidwickline, I suppose a certain amount of anger is ok. I’ve been too angry though. Too much is sin. Thank you for dropping by. I hope your daughter will let the Lord help her with her depression. It is a hard thing to conquer, but not too hard for God. May she want His help. God bless you, Brother.
Oct 03, 2012 @ 05:56:06
I’m a person who is also prone to trying to plug holes rather than realising I just need to stay in the lifeboat and let God deal with all the rubbish. My husband frequently says, “No one wakes up in the morning and thinks to themselves, ‘gee, I think I will…,’” in reference to bad choices and sinful behaviours, so I was amazed to find you saying almost the same thing.
Very timely, wise, post. Thank you.
Oct 03, 2012 @ 22:54:35
I am still reading and rereading Psalm 61and commentaries on it. It is also about vows and covenant. We are so weak, at times, that it is only through Christ that we are able to do what we should and not do what we shouldn’t. That is the overcoming. The timing of all things is in God’s hands.
I found this song of praise on Psalm 61. I really enjoyed listening and I may just sing it the next time I hear it. I have been in praise, just my little spirit songs to the Lord, for the past few days. I believe that as the Psalmist wrote,
when we seek God is prayer and praise that we are lifted up to that rock higher than ourselves. I hope you enjoy this song.
Oct 04, 2012 @ 20:21:49
rose3008, finding the lifeboat is the key. At least you have found it. Let’s not make the mistake of jumping out every now and then to see if we can swim in sinking waters! God bless you.
Oct 09, 2012 @ 14:27:15
The life boat. This reminds me of Peter. I had a dream once where I saw a bright light over the water. It looked like an electrical storm, but contained in one place. Lightening and thunder. Then I saw a little boat and a man was climbing out of it to walk on the water. He looked over his shoulder at me. He began to walk towards the light, but looked down and began to sink. A hand came out of the light and held him up so he wouldn’t drown.
Peter, zealous and strong one moment, and full of anxiety the next. I can relate. I am in the life boat with my life preserver, Christ.
Oct 09, 2012 @ 21:53:20
denile, you aren’t alone, sister.
Oct 10, 2012 @ 01:57:21
Love you, sister.