THE BEST PORT IN A STORM

1 Chronicles 7:1-8:40; Acts 27:1-20; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 18:22

“The next day, as gale-force winds continued to batter the ship, the crew began throwing the cargo overboard. The following day they even took some of the ship’s gear and threw it overboard. The terrible storm raged for many days, blotting out the sun and the stars, until at last all hope was gone.”

“I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. End the evil of those who are wicked, and defend the righteous. For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God. God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.”

“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.”

It is a fundamental law of the seas that, when a ship is confronted by a major storm, any port is better than being buffeted and broken by the waves. The men sailing with Paul to Rome disregarded this rule. As a result, their entire ship was lost on the shoals of Malta. That there was no loss of life was a gift of grace. But it doesn’t change the fact that they could have stayed at Fair Havens and been safe. Why didn’t they? Scripture says the crew simply opted for what they thought would be more comfortable and attractive moorings:

And since Fair Havens was an exposed harbor—a poor place to spend the winter—most of the crew wanted to go on to Phoenix, farther up the coast of Crete, and spend the winter there. Phoenix was a good harbor with only a southwest and northwest exposure.

The problem was, they did not appreciate the dangers inherent in the journey. When we attempt to travel to places or people God does not intend for us, we, too, can be blinded by our focus on the destination. If we never consider how we might be jeopardizing ourselves along the way, if we just proceed without thinking things through, the end of the trip may come sooner than we plan.

Alex Rodriguez’s baseball career is not over by any means, but the image he presented as a superstar role model has been forever tarnished. By his own admission, he used steroids knowing they were illegal, but also knowing there was a pretty good chance they would help him achieve his life’s dreams and ambition of a Hall of Fame career. His excuse? Being young and foolish. We’ve all been there. But Rodriguez also went further. He was unfaithful. A man who cannot be depended on to honor his marriage vows cannot be depended on at all. There isn’t any difference between 20 and 50 in that regard. Anytime we feel the urge to be “anywhere but here,” a little bit of additional introspection is probably a good idea.

God smiled brightly on me when I met my wife of nearly thirty years. In that time, we’ve seen and done quite a lot, actually. Our relationship has not just weathered three kids, serious illness, family deaths, job loss and a lot of new growth and change on both our parts. It has flourished. We are closer, more intimate, now than we have ever been. Most important, not once did either of us ever think of heading out for any other port. Whatever storms life has thrown at us, we have chosen to stay moored right where we are… together.

Life is full of tempting and seductive alternatives. Many require only a short journey. The trip may only be down the block, across the hall or even just to the next cubicle. But the way is fraught with hidden dangers. When Christ has gifted us with the safe harbor of marriage, even though the winds of change and turmoil approach, the best option is never to try to outrun the storm. The best option is to stay put. We probably can get along without excess cargo, to be sure. Living lighter is almost always a good idea. But jettisoning our marriages is never part of the divine plan. In times of stress and trial, it is especially important that both spouses remember the Spirit gave us wedlock as a safe harbor. Other relationships may, at times, seem nicer, more attractive or even safer, but they rarely are. The best port in a storm is within the arms of the one to whom we have been joined by God in marriage. Within those arms may just be the touch of the Savior Himself.