Lessons from Lyrics: Safety in the Storms and Shores of Eternity

“My lighthouse, my lighthouse.

Shining in the darkness, I will follow you.

My lighthouse, my lighthouse.

I will trust the promise,

You will carry me safe to shore.”

~ Rend Collective ~

            These lyrics have been on constant repeat the last couple of days.  So much so that I’ve caught myself humming it in the car, singing it under my breath as I held a friend’s baby, and again in the still moments before drifting off to sleep.  The words have become a prayer – and it’s beginning to root itself deep into my heart. 

            For some reason, when I first heard the song, I thought it said “You will carry me straight to shore.”  And I sang it that way for a while.  But I quickly realized my error, and corrected myself.  However, because of that, I still have the propensity to sing straight instead of safe. 

            Two days ago, I was pouring myself some coffee as the lyrics echoed throughout the rooms of my house.  I caught myself saying straight again.  But this time, the Lord seemed to hit the pause button – and He invited me to dig deeper. 

            I’ve been thinking about eternity a lot, lately.  Whether it’s been the various Scriptures, books, and blogs I’ve been reading, different prayers I’ve been praying, and different conversations I’ve had with friends – I’ve had heaven on my mind.  I’ve found that much changes when you have an eternity mindset.

            I truly can’t wait to get to the other side of eternity and stand face to face with my Lord.  It will be a glorious day!  To be able to breathe fully, deeply, and without the weight of sin – and breathe out praise to the King for eternity?  Yes, please!

            This mindset doesn’t make me want to blow off the here and now.  It doesn’t make me want to just go through the motions of life, unconcerned for the temporal – and just count down to the moment I’m with Him.  Rather, thinking of heaven makes me all the more excited to do this life on earth.  Not to mention the serious fear it strikes into the same heart that is so excited for the day I make it to the other side of eternity!  As thrilled as I am for a day with no more tears or sorrows, the thought of being face to face with the God of the Universe as Judge makes me tremble.  I’m so thankful for Jesus. 

Eternity shifts my perspective to see that maybe the things I’ve thought were important maybe aren’t.  And perhaps the things I’ve invested a lot of energy into aren’t worth the time God’s given me to steward.  Am I about the things that are going to echo into eternity?  I want to be.  I want to co-labor with Christ and be about the things His heart beats for.

            But He doesn’t promise it’s going to be a straight shot.  He doesn’t promise that the voyage is going to follow a straight route from point A to point B.  It’s not going to look like the journey I would plan for myself.  There are going to be storms that blow me about in the waters – spinning me around, knocking me sideways.  There are going to be many surprises.

But He does promise that He’ll get me safe to the shore of eternity.  He will be with me.  He is sovereign over storms.  He sets my path.  He knows me and goes with me.  And that is safety.  The safety God speaks of isn’t found in one’s comfort zone.  The safety that God promises isn’t guaranteeing His people the “American dream.”  It means in the midst of the unknown, in dangerous places, when we are on mission for Christ – joining Him in His work to usher in His Kingdom – He is with us. 

This Thursday, I start a 17-month accelerated program for a second Bachelor’s degree in nursing.  And I know that the sailing won’t be smooth for all 17 months.  There are going to be some days where it will be by God’s grace and strength that I will carry on through the storm.  I know there will be days where doubt will creep in, trying to take up residence in my mind.  Depression may be knocking once more on my heart – begging to reclaim its spot.  Anxiety will lie to me – as it always does – taunting me with “Come on, we used to be best friends.” 

But the Lord goes with me – and He has equipped me with everything I need for this journey.  So, while I know I’m going to hit choppy waters - some really rough patches – maybe a really big storm here and there, I’m singing for joy.  For I know that the Lord has brought me here.  He has plans that I cannot see.  He has put in my heart a desire to serve, to join Him in His redemptive and healing work, and to glorify Him in all that I do.  And so I can rest in knowing He will help me to sail onward (despite any direction changes throughout the journey), as He guides and protects.  There is much work to be done before I reach the long-awaited shore, and I don’t want to miss out on any of it!

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” ~ Matthew 25:21

“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:5-8

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” ~ Ephesians 2:10

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:20

“In my wrestling and in my doubts.
In my failures, You won't walk out.
Your great love will lead me through,
You are the peace in my troubled sea.

In the silence, You won't let go.
In my questions, Your truth will hold.
Your great love will lead me through,
You are the peace in my troubled sea.

My lighthouse, my lighthouse.
Shining in the darkness, I will follow You.
My lighthouse, my lighthouse.
I will trust the promise,
You will carry me safe to shore.

I won't fear what tomorrow brings.
With each morning I'll rise and sing.
My God's love will lead me through,
You are the peace in my troubled sea.

Fire before us, You're the brightest.
You will lead us through the storms.”

~My Lighthouse by Rend Collective~