Stay the Course

Finding our way through the journey of life can sometimes be a difficult task. Even if we determine exactly where we are and where we are headed, we still have to cross vast tracts of uncharted water. There will be countless storms and times of darkness which may confuse us, threatening to sink us altogether. Most folks just sail off blindly, hoping they’ll get lucky ... like Columbus. Some do. Others, however, never seem to find their way. Even those of us who think we know the way often find ourselves navigating with faulty instruments or upon flawed premises. Nonetheless, there is a sure way to navigate through this life, and beyond. God. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The God of creation. The God who sacrificed His only son, Jesus, for all mankind. God can be found in the pages of the bible, the only accurate map available to assist us as we cross the uncharted waters of life. In the bible, we can discover the course to steer and God honors men and women who choose the right course and hold fast to it. Anchors aweigh, fellow travelers.

Stay the Course
How vast an ocean life can be
tossed by wind and wave
And many perish in its depths
though they be strong and brave
Whatever skills we may possess
our success we may negate
Unless we know the course to sail
and we can navigate
For those who know not where they are
nor where they wish to go
Will fail to reach the distant shore
and drift where winds may blow
Yet, those who have a compass
and who know the course to sail
If they hold firm upon their course
in time, they shall prevail
So it is with each who sails
upon the seas of life
He must have patience in the calms
and strength through storms of strife
Yet all is lost if, in the end
his navigation fails
And he is left upon the sea
to drown in his travails
But God has placed a compass
within the heart of every man
He gave the Bible as a map
to chart our travel plan
He gave the light of Christ to lead us
like a guiding star
So we can find the course to sail
no matter where we are
And if we orient the map
to the compass we possess
God reveals the heading to us
so we no longer have to guess
Then, if we are faithful
and we hold fast to the wheel
If we tarry not at isles of sin
whatever their appeal
If we trust the guiding star of Christ
and keep Him well in view
Then God will guide us safely
into port when we are through
Contrary winds and currents
may drive us towards the rocks and reefs
But if faithfully we steer and cling
to the helm of our beliefs
We shall reach our destination
by the strength and grace of He
Who calms the restless hearts of men
and rules the mighty sea
Through the lonely watches of the night
and storms of gale force
God honors men who steer by him
and who choose to stay the course
By Frank Carpenter ©