Tag Archives: waves

Days of Trouble

I’m beginning to think that life is like a journey across the Ocean.  Some days the sky is sunny, waves timid and the winds calm, allowing you to coast without any worries.  Yet, without any warning, storms develop out of no where, rocking your world, forming days of trouble.

A few weeks ago, I was on cloud nine, enjoying my seasonal position, optimistic that I would likely receive a full time position in this department.  Today, I’m like the sail boat in Robert Redford’s latest film, All is Lost, slowly sinking to the bottom of the sea.  My perspective has drastic changed, just hoping to get back to work, waiting to be medically cleared to return.  During my days of trouble, the weather appears isolated, a slight drizzle overhead with a dense fog blinding my vision of the future.

Psalm 27:5 recounts the trials King David endured before the Lord fulfilled his promise in 1 Samuel 16:13.  On the run, fleeing the wrath of King Saul and dwelling in a cave wasn’t exactly how David pictured his journey to the throne.  Despite the heartache one experiences in the days of trouble, God has promised to provide shelter from these storms.  As the flood waters rise, place your feet of the rock and God will keep you safe until the days of trouble pass.

by Jay Mankus

Heavenly Dwelling

Come as you are to the Most High Place

Where an invisible shield will provide a refuge

Safety and security serve as a blanket of protection

With angels waiting in the wings, ready to act on a moment’s notice.

Like a force field, harm and predators bounce out without leaving a mark

The life guard on duty relies on love as a weapon of defense

Whenever a swimmer cries out for help, afraid of incoming breakers

The giver of life will come to your aid in a twinkling of an eye.

Delivering you from the waves of circumstances, situations and trials

As long as you remain in the presence of the Lord Most High

Long life, salvation and satisfaction will accompany you the rest of your days

Why wait any longer, since an open pew is awaiting for your arrival!

by Jay Mankus

Cleansing of the Tides

High above the crashing breakers

Beyond the daylight of the sky

Exists a barren crusted mass

That reflects light back to earth

Penetrating the darkness of night

Is an illuminating oblique feature

Which serves a specific purpose

We call this spotlight the moon

A rotating orb which circles the earth

To preform its 24 hour cleaning service

Controlling tidal movements for our planet

The tides obey every command

Going to and fro and in and out

Cleansing every impurity into the seas

Our tides create a natural recycling system

Purging shores from daily tarnish

Erasing any signs with just one wave

These blemishes are quickly forgotten

As far as the east is from the west

This is symbolic of God’s unconditional love

Who cleanses another undeserving soul from sin!

(c) Jay Mankus, July 1996.

This was a poem which was inspired by a Carman song from the 1990’s.  As I asked the Lord what to write yesterday, I heard a still small voice remind me of this poem.  Thus, today it is reborn in a new format.  I hope you enjoy the message!  My these tides serve as a fresh start for 2013!