"Batten Down The Hatches!"
- Rita Larson
- Sep 22, 2023
- 3 min read
We have a tropical storm warning in effect and are expecting severe weather. In preparation, we filled up our vehicles with gas, put away anything loose outside that may blow away, and made sure we had ample supplies of food on hand. In addition, we have monitored the weather closely to stay prepared for what is heading our way. I shared with a friend that we were going to "batten down the hatches" and realized I don't really fully understand what that means, so I looked it up!
According to www.Grammar-Monster.com, "To batten down the hatches is a nautical term from the early 19th century. When a ship was about to enter rough seas, the captain would order the crew to batten down the hatches. The crew would close all the hatches (doors) on the ship's decks and use lengths of batten (rods) to secure the hatches in the closed position."
How do we prepare for the storms of life? When it comes to preparing for the storms of life, we can look toward the life of Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, demonstrated to us the perfect example of how to navigate through the storms that come our way. In the book of Mark, we see Jesus calm a raging storm with just a few words. We see Him tap into the power of God and exercise His authority to bring peace to the situation. This shows us that when we are deeply connected to God, we too can find peace in the midst of life's storms.
Building our Faith is key to preparing for the storms of life. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." It is through faith that we can face the storms with confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. By nurturing our faith through prayer and studying God's Word, we can strengthen our connection to Him and find comfort in His promises.
Prayer is another crucial component in preparing for life's storms. Jesus Himself spent countless hours in communion with His Father, seeking guidance and strength. In Matthew 6:6, "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Jesus instructs us to pray and develop a one-on-one, personal relationship with Him! Our Father sees and hears us. Through prayer, we can pour out our hearts before God, expressing our fears, doubts, and anxieties. It is through this intimate conversation with Him that we can find peace and reassurance in the midst of life's storms. Prayer allows us to align our hearts with God's will and receive His divine wisdom.
Additionally, immersing ourselves in God's Word is essential for preparing for life's storms. The Bible is filled with promises, encouragement, and guidance for every situation we may face. When we meditate on God's Word and hide it in our hearts, it becomes a source of strength and direction. Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." By studying the Word and applying the principles to our lives, we can navigate through the storms with wisdom and discernment.
Lastly, preparing for life's storms involves personal growth. Just as Jesus grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52), we too must continually seek growth in our relationship with God. This includes developing a deeper understanding of His character, cultivating spiritual gifts, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. Through growth, we become more equipped to handle the challenges that come our way. We develop resilience, perseverance, and a greater reliance on God. We have been given the perfect example of how to prepare for the storms of life. By emulating Jesus' deep connection to God's presence, His unwavering faith, His commitment to prayer and studying God's Word, as well as His continual personal growth, we too can find calm in the midst of life's storms. With God as our Guide, we can "Batten Down The Hatches" and be prepared for any storm that comes our way! ©Rita Larson 9/22/2023
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