ARTICLES

Setting Sails with the Lord

by Mari Anne Andersen [ March 2008 ]

Just recently we came back from a wonderful family cruise and I was enjoying the beauty and serenity of the water and the sky, marveling at the greatness of our God. As I was looking out and cruising along I sensed there were some parallels regarding setting sail literally and symbolically. I have not sailed before, but after reading some information about it, I found interesting facts that caught my attention and caused me to ponder and invite the Holy Spirit to help me see more into the deeper meaning. God usually speaks to me through "dark speech" which is when God speaks indirectly and symbolically throught dreams, visions, riddles, figures, parables and circumstances (Psalm 78:2, John 16:29). I felt the Holy Spirit was planting seeds in my heart so I could engage in the enterprise of discovering the meaning of "setting sail." My hope is that you will be blessed and ministered to as I try to unfold the symbols of the wind, setting sail, the vessel and embarking in new territory as we leave the dock.

In reading to master the skill of setting sail I also saw how the Father would like us to cultivate our walk deeper with the Spirit in order to embark into the depths of His love. We must not depend on methods but rely on and lean into His Wind effortlessly. As the Word of God puts it so eloquently - "The Holy Spirit of God dwells within, and directs and controls me and my spirit is the candle of the Lord and my God will guide me into all truth."

1) Docking and
Maneuvering Under Power

I think for many of us the Lord is calling us out into the open seas to set our sail and not to be afraid to leave the dock, but to take flight in the wind and to learn to be lead by His Spirit. Father is calling each of us to be risk takers and to venture into uncharted seas. To move at full throttle or maximum speed we need to maneuver under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. This takes the desire to discover and uncover new territory not yet traveled, and in doing so we will experience the beauty, fragrance and inspiration of the ocean waters sailing deeper into the horizon of His glory. But for some of us, we hold on so tightly that we can choke or smother the throttle and move into a place that can avert our journey. If we turn stubbornly in one particular way we may find ourselves facing the wrong way or, worse yet, crashing into the docks which can injure ourselves or others around us.

2) Navigation

How important this is! As believers, we can direct our journey into areas that can bring growth and spiritual development, we can become more Christ-dependent and Spirit-empowered in trusting God with all of our hearts and minds to becoming more equipped for every type of journey and experience in the depths of His Sea. We must stay the course and set our sights on the things above and not below to hear the voice of our Good Shepherd, so if we hear the voice of a stranger, we will not follow.

There will be times, however, when we will make mistakes in navigation, and sometimes we will hit the shallow bays and channels and even stir up soft mud in these channels. There is only one way to restore something that is broken or, like the sail on a vessel, you will remain strained and uptight. You must be flexible and yield, surrendering completely to the wind, that is, total surrender or yielding to the willingness to embrace our miscalculations or misconceptions. This I believe is the art of surrender and the heart of humility - surrender, not resignation; acceptance, not anger; trust, not hopelessness; and choosing God, and not turning back. Father has destined and appointed us to progressively know His will, to perceive and recognize Him more strongly and clearly as we continue to navigate or stay the course. Intimately we become more familiar and acquainted with His Wind who guides us into all truth, resting, adhering, trusting in and relying on Him. Our voyage will give us many opportunities to explore more of His sights and sounds, walking single-mindedly in wisdom, expecting to know what to do in every situation and being on top of every circumstance. How liberating and freeing it is to allow our spirit to cast anchor with His Spirit - taking us to newer and deeper depths of His vast ocean of love.

3) Sail Trim

Experts tells us that it doesn't take a lot of skill to raise the sail on a boat, but from there onwards it's not so easy. With the sails up all you have to do is to tighten in on the sheets (pull the sails in). But to do so efficiently takes some knowledge of how sails work, skill in setting them correctly and an almost automatic sense from where the wind is blowing. We can quickly jump into many things or go off course. We can learn all the "right" stuff technically, but to really sail with the Spirit means to feel Him, to know Him and to be ready to release ourselves into the "sail trim" which means to feel the wind's direction automatically without having to think about it. "We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God" (1 Cor. 2:12). It is soaking in the rays of His Light, His waters of refreshment, and His warmth of comfort that lulls us into peace and harmony.

4) Having Fun

I believe sailing should be fun and an adventure each time. I really feel we miss this dimension of loving and serving the Lord. Oh, to head out with sails set, the vessel heeled, the bow cutting through the seas, the sound of the water as it streams down the side of the boat! Just the "Son" and the sea that surrounds you - that fills every part of your inner-being - your inner-core as you venture out in Him and with Him. Surrendering comes more and more easily or instinctively, and as we yield our hearts to His Spirit, we'll discover how fun it is to let go and let God and let His "wind" take us to the secret places of love and adventure. Let's cruise together into new places of truth, comfort, and freedom in a lifetime of sailing. See you on the water!