Sailing Free

This Saturday, March 14, I will release a new song called “Sailing Free.”  As a kid, I had the good fortune of enjoying the sport of sailing.  My Dad restored and built a few boats that we sailed in the ocean harbors of southern California.  Moving under the power of God’s wind in a small boat can be wonderfully peaceful, and sometimes exhilarating and risky.  

There is something magical and mystical about the ocean – it’s a huge body of water that contains all kinds of beautiful and bizarre creatures.  It’s bursting with life that contains the DNA of the Creator.  It’s easy for me to feel God’s presence around the ocean. 

Life is kind of like sailing – when conditions are just right, it can be really peaceful or fun.  But you can’t count on good weather all the time.  When the wind is too strong, or non-existent, sailing isn’t so much fun.  If the ocean waves are too rough, or the air is too cold, you don’t want to be on the water.  In life as in sailing, we learn to follow Jesus’ example.  He knew how to rest and stay calm in a small boat amidst howling wind and crashing waves. 

The song Sailing Free describes the nearness of God’s peaceful presence, despite rough weather.   When I’m hit in the face by life’s waves, I try to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, and lovely.  I try to let go of the illusion that I can control life’s twists and turns, and just rest in Jesus’ boat.  Recently I’ve had a series of visions featuring Jesus and I in a boat.  He is in the middle seat, rowing and I’m in the back seat, locking eyes with him.  That’s one of the keys to sailing free—keeping eye contact with Jesus. 

To abide in peace, I make declarations over myself about what is true – that God is always with me, loving me and helping me.  Paul wrote 1 Corinthians that “whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.”  In our spirit, we are one with Jesus, who is the Prince of Peace.  You and I are permanently connected to the God of peace.  His peace is always accessible. 

Life’s storms can be intimidating.  But God will never give you the spirit of fear.  The Holy Spirit gives you power, love, and self-control.  The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Perfect, absolute peace surrounds those whose imaginations are consumed with you; they confidently trust in you.” (TPT) 

To find peace, try declaring heaven’s promises over yourself.  You can bring the peace of heaven into your present reality.  Bring tomorrow’s promise of heaven into today: 

“We will see his face, there will be no more night 

For the Lord our God will give us light 

He will wipe the tears away from every eye 

He is making all things new, all things new.”  (Rev. 22) 

Each of us has a “river of destiny.”  He is sovereign over our unique situations.  Jesus is fully able to get us where we need to go.  We don’t get there by wildly thrashing with our oars.  We get there by letting the power of his wind move us in the right direction.  We trust that he is Lord over the weather conditions – God sets the pace.  We move at the pace of his grace.  Keep your eyes locked onto Jesus’ face.  May his peace be with you!

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