OUTSIDE THE BOAT

Katsushika Hokusai was one of the most celebrated artists in Japanese history. Between 1826 and 1833, when he was in his mid 60s and early 70s, he created his greatest work—a series of colour woodblock prints titled Thirty Six Views of Mt. Fuji. Among those paintings was his masterpiece: The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. This painting, created during a time of struggle for Hokusai, shows a towering wall of water edged with claw like foam about to crash down on three slim boats full of rowers.

Psalm 107 also tells a story of people in danger at sea. Afloat on the waves, “they mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths”. As a result, “their courage melted away” (V.26). Eventually, the sailors sent an S.O.S. to God, and He answered by smoothing out the sea and guiding them to safety (VV.28-30).

When we face trouble, we tend to look to other people for guidance and comfort. They are in the same boat, however—lost in an ocean of life’s ups and downs. Only God is outside the boat, fully in control, stable and strong enough to calm the storms (VV.24-25,29). Facing trouble? Call out to Him!

To pray about . . .

Dear God, help me to remember that nothing can separate me from Your love. Please remind me of Your power and care when I’m in the middle of life’s storms.

WE WORSHIP A GOD WHO IS BIGGER THAN OUR BIGGEST PROBLEM.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries