I've never been seasick. But recently, I think I can relate. I am reminded of two experiences. The first is when I stood before an impressive and dramatic life-sized display at a museum in Astoria, Oregon, USA. It is of a US Coast Guard rescue boat being tossed almost vertical in high waves with a Coast Guard crew labouring to navigate and at the same time rescuing some victims in the stormy water. The recorded sound effects added to the experience of seeing this. The other experience is remembering a favourite childhood amusement park ride called "Tilt-A-Whirl" which spun around as it tipped the riders in random whirling motions. Some sensitive stomachs could not manage this ride. Not only would my head swim, but it would challenge my balance.

I had similar physical feelings recently when I discovered that my identity had been stolen and my email hacked, causing email scams to be sent to my contacts using my email address. Shortly after that, our financial accounts were breached, all within a short period of time. The discovery was at first shocking and unbelievable! Now what? Asking God for help was a first response, and yet, I felt like I were floundering at sea trying to find something to hold onto. My head was swirling with a list of all the tasks of answering phone calls, changing passwords, and filling out various fraud reports to authorities. One very early morning just as I awakened, the chorus of a worship song based on Isaiah 26:3 was just sitting at the forefront of my awareness.

Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (ESV)

The key was to trust in my loving God. Of course!

Lamentations 3:22-23 – The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV)

God's words were a soothing balm to my fretting heart and to my mind. As I came to Him to give all my concerns to Him, I felt His peace, and my unsteady and dizzying fearfulness subsided.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (ESV)

God held me fast and protected all funds from being taken.

Friends, you and I are in a world full of rapidly changing events that can swirl us around and threaten to disorient us. We may begin to question ourselves or begin to doubt. As we refresh our supply of God's promises to remind us of Who God is, He gives perfect peace during the storm. No fear! Perfect peace!

Prayer: Almighty loving Father, thank You for giving us Your Word to draw us near to You. Holy Spirit, thank You for gently bringing verses to our mind. Thank You, Saviour Jesus, for Your peace given freely to all who trust fully in You. Amen.