Psalm 16 begins with a prayer asking for God’s protection. “Keep me safe, O God for in you I take refuge” (Psalm 16:1). While others might be tempted to turn away from God for help, we must turn to the Lord and trust in him during times of trouble. He will give us confidence if we keep him always in our hearts. With this confidence comes great joy, which gives hope to the people in fear around us. Stay strong. Trust in the Lord. He will show you the way.
The Confident Captain
There was a boat out at sea during a great storm. The people and crew gathered together in a small lifeboat. When the ship sank, they remained on the small boat waiting for rescue.
The captain was there with all the people from the ship. The people were afraid. They looked to him for comfort.
At first, they were calmed by the presence of the captain. He smiled at them. He remained the joyful man they knew on the ship even during this catastrophic event.
He led the people in song and told stories, but the people became impatient.
“What is your plan to save us, captain? Can’t you see that we are very afraid?” they said to him.
“Have faith, the Lord will save us,” he said.
The people did not believe this. They looked to the captain to do something, yet he just sat and waited and sang songs.
They plotted to take things into their own hands. Some of the men began to row vigorously towards the west, the direction of home.
The captain did not stop them. Instead he knelt down in quiet meditation and prayer. In time, he stood up and said to the men with the oars, “Turn back the other way.”
They were in shock. “But we have been rowing this direction for some time now.”
“Go back,” urged the captain. “For this is the way to our rescue. Follow the currents and we will be found by another ship. Trust me as I trust in the Lord.”
He seemed so confident and still so full of joy even in these times of doubt. One man listened and rowed the other way. The others hesitated at first, then seeing the calm face of the captain they agreed to do as he said.
Later that day they saw a ship on the horizon. Before long, they were indeed rescued and saved from the perils of the sea.
“You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.”
Psalm 16:11
Reflection Questions
- How did the captain help the people when they were afraid?
- How can you be more confident and calm while others are afraid or angry?
- When is the best time of day for you to pray and meditate like the captain in the story?
Get More Psalm Stories & Formative Fiction Fables
To receive more stories like this one, sign up for the Formative Fiction Friday Newsletter. You can also read some of the other Psalm stories here:
