Monday, October 12, 2015

AT THE RED SEA - A POEM


Ever feel like you're stuck?

Like you're in a season of life when nothing makes sense?

When hardships and struggles and fears threaten to overwhelm you?

And you just don't know what to do?

Yeah, me too.

Lately I've felt like I'm in a sort of *holding pattern* – trapped in an anxious and edgy state of mind, feeling all sorts of turbulent emotions, and seeing nowhere to turn and no way to escape.

So, as I was contemplating what to write about this week, I remembered a poem that I had written several years ago.

Ah, the search began.

I ventured down into the pile of unpacked boxes, cache of pack-rat treasures, storage room to look for my notebook full of poetry.

I'm happy to say that I located it right away(you see, there is a method in my madness!)

I reread the poem, and realized that God once again used the words to speak to my heart, right now, right where I am.


You see, when I wrote the poem I was contemplating a decision.

And I just didn't know which way to turn – what to do, where to go – and I couldn't figure out when and how to do it, if I was even supposed to do it in the first place.

I thought of Moses and the Israelites, standing at the Red Sea.

Looking behind, all they could see was the quickly-approaching armies of Pharaoh.

Scary.

Looking ahead, all they could see was the impassable waters of the Red Sea.

Daunting.


Here's the scene in Scripture:

"The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh's army – all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops.  The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore…As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them.  They cried out to the LORD…" 

(From Exodus 14, NLT)


I can relate.

The sense of impending doom, the panic over the surrounding circumstances, the urgent cry to the Lord…

And the anxious waiting for Him to DO. SOMETHING. NOW.

Of course, we know how the story ends.

God did arrive, He did act, and He saved the Israelites – defeating the Egyptian forces in rather stunning fashion.

But there were *those* moments…

Moments on the shore, when doubts crept in and fear threatened to overtake the bravest of hearts.

Nervous moments of waiting.


I'm not facing a decision today, but I am facing life.

And lately, I have to admit, I've felt like Moses and the Israelites.

Trapped between a Pharaoh of fear and the daunting Red Sea of circumstances.

Waiting for God to show up and DO. SOMETHING. NOW.


So, I share this poem today, and hope that it brings encouragement to you.

For, no matter what we face, the Lord is indeed there with us.

Waiting to move…



AT THE RED SEA

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

I know You've led me
through troubles in the past,
But why, oh why
can't those victories last?

So here I am
hoping to rejoice,
For all I want
is to hear Your voice.

Just to know
which way to go,
Just for Your presence
within me to grow.

I want my heart
to follow Your will,
But Lord, I cannot
make myself still.

You know all I want
is just to obey,
To do only and everything
that You say.

So I wait for You
to appear at this sea,
To make Yourself known
to come here and calm me.

Speak to me, Lord
show me the way,
Lead me, guide me
hear me as I pray.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Wondering, worrying
Do You even see me?

Wait just a moment
What do I hear?
A rumbling, a tumbling
I feel God coming near.

There's an unmistakable
quaking in my heart,
I think the Red Sea
is about to part!

So I stand on the shore
and wait for dry land,
I wait for the arrival
of God's powerful hand.

I wait and I wait
and I wait some more,
And yet I'm still standing
on this daunting seashore.

Oh Lord, I say
as I fall to my knees,
Why aren't You answering
any of my pleas?

Then, miracle of miracles
my face in the sand,
I finally feel
the stirring of God's hand.

Oh yes, there is something
that God wants to move,
it's my desire to control
that He seeks to reprove.

I am the sea
that He wants to part,
The immovable obstacle
is within my heart.

Oh God, I am yielded
once again to Your will,
For You are the only One
who makes my heart still.

So shake me and shape me
for I want to obey,
And rest in the promise
that You know the way.

Lord, I'm standing
between Pharaoh and the sea,
Marveling, grateful
that of course You see me!


© Sharon Kirby
March 26, 2010 (revised October, 2015)



Move me, Lord...






When I'm stuck
between a rock and a hard place,
God will lead me.
His rod and His staff
will comfort me.
And I will find my way
home. 




REMEMBER THE STORY AGAIN...


"They cried out to the LORD, and they said to Moses, 'Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?...'

But Moses told the people, 'Don't be afraid.  Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.  The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.  The LORD himself will fight for you.  Just stay calm.'

Then the LORD said to Moses, '...Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea.  Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground.  And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites.  My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers.  When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!'

Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp.  The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them.  The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night....

Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind.  The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land.  So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!

Then the Egyptians – all of Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and charioteers –chased them into the middle of the sea.  But just before dawn the LORD looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion.  He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive.  'Let's get out of here – away from these Israelites!' the Egyptians shouted. 'The LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!'

When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the LORD said to Moses, 'Raise your hand over the sea again.  Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.'  So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place.  The Egyptians tried to escape, but the LORD swept them into the sea. Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers – the entire army of Pharaoh.  Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived.

But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides.  That is how the LORD rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day." 

(From Exodus 14, NLT)



"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],
A very present and well-proved help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas,

Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. 

God is in the midst of her...she will not be moved;
God will help her when the morning dawns.

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]. 

'Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.'

The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower]."

(From Psalm 46, AMP)



"'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.'" 
(Isaiah 43:1-3, NLT)

"'Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?  I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.'" 
(Isaiah 43:19, KJV)

"'Be strong and courageous...It is the LORD who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.'" (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, ESV)

"'...[For] lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually – regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:20, AMP)




If you're between *Pharaoh and the sea,* are you letting God move you?




Linked with:

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, STILL SATURDAY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, SUNDAY STILLNESS, GIVE ME GRACE, SHARING HIS BEAUTY

(I'll be linking up with other blog hops next week!)



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

35 comments:

  1. Love this, Sharon! Penetrating words and don't I feel the force of it. I am struggling with panic when I need to trust. Moving forward to a place I do not know, but am compelled to go. Walking blindly, with many obstacles before me and no option for retreat. Will be meditating on the parting of the waters of my heart for the way to be made. It always begins there, doesn't it. Blessings, friend!
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  2. Thank you for sharing, I seem to be in the same place. I look around and everyone seems so busy and on track and I am not sure of my next step. Life seems to be dragging me instead of me know where to go. Thanks for these words

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  3. Hi Sharon! I love the imagery of being between the Sea and the Pharoah. Very relatable position for us all! I hope that whatever is causing you to feel uneasy will pass soon, and that the answers and protection you need are given, and quickly! I know that God tests us often, and allows things to happen to make us stronger.

    So may you become strong and a faithful witness to His saving power in your life! I know you are one in mine...
    Columbus Day blessings,
    Ceil

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  4. That is such a beautiful poem, Sharon. It is something to remember that God is always there, even when we are not sure. We let life and its circumstances control us when in reality we should always turn control over to God.

    Betty

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  5. WOW Sharon --- what an excellent poem and love being "a sea" ... but one that He can part and start all over again. So powerful and impactful as always you leave me inspired and whether I am in a Red Sea or not, I always need God to MOVE or move me or move whatever is in the way of His Spirit moving in me! Thank you Sharon for such wisdom and grace, and imparting a new way to see beyond our "Red Seas" and God's aMazing love to move and encourage us.

    Love and blessings,
    Peggy

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  6. your talent inspires me, love you

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  7. I absolutely love that poem! It really does speak to me today.
    Sharon, you have managed to put into words the way I've been feeling lately too. Thank you for helping me to better understand what is going on inside my own addled brain, lol!
    Blessings and love to you, my friend!

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  8. Sharon, this is a wonderful poem that speaks directly to my heart as well. From one Red Sea to another, thanks for posting it. Blessings to you my sweet friend :)

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  9. You need to take this out of the pack rat box and frame it, girl! It is written with so much thought and emotion. You're right, it brings encouragement to the heart!

    Blessings & hugs to you,
    Mary

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  10. Thanks for sharing your encourgaging words and poem Sharon.

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  11. Awesome poem and post! It is amazing how we find comfort in our spirit in the most difficult of times. That's the miracle of our Father that resides within us, otherwise we'd be like the rest of the lost world in search of fulfillment from the outside.

    Thanks for sharing that poem of Truth and encouragement.

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  12. Yes I have been feeling that way for awhile now.
    That is one amazing poem!

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  13. I needed this right at this very moment. Thank you.

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  14. That was a really beautiful poem, Sharon! Thanks for sharing it with us and for linking on Amanda's Books and More! I will say a prayer for you and I'd love for you to pray for me. We need a breakthrough too. God bless!

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  15. Incredibly beautiful poem, Sharon! Thank you so much for sharing! Your words have blessed me. Peace and many blessings to you, Love! :-)

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  16. Reminded again of the God who sees! Thank you for the poem and for your accompanying words of testimony to God's faithfulness!

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  17. What a wonderful post and poem. Yes! Our request should be for God to move us while we wait!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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  18. Good morning, Sharon! A great devotional readin my secret place corner this morning as I wake. I tend to always feel hemmed in by fear and circumstances and you have hit me squad in the eye with your poem. On target! Lord, part my waters so I can cross into all you are calling me to. Fear usually has his buddy, Doubt, with him which I'm mobilizes me. Yep, gotta control when you doubt. Much to chew on through this day as I start another week of the impossible in myself. Love you, milady!
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  19. Ugh! Spellcheck! Doubt immobilizes me. . .

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  20. Such a valuable reminder. The problem is not our circumstances. The issue is always within ourselves, our hearts. He wants to part the sea and show us who He is! Thanks Sharon and praying His life and peace for you in this day.

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  21. Isn't that true, that it's most often us God wants to change, not the circumstances. Praying for change to find you soon, Sharon.

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  22. Wow, beautiful post and poem! I'm blessed to have followed you at Crystal's today. So glad I did! Love your words and how God spoke through them to me and to many. Keep writing. Blessings!

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  23. Thanks for this wonderful story! Your illustration says so much and the poem suits it perfectly!
    Blessings,
    Pam

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  24. Sometimes we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place, but God is still a miracle working God and he will roll back the troubling sea and make a path of dry ground for you to pass on over. Loved your poem and thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  25. Sharon, Thank you so much for sharing this poem that came from your own heart's cry. As I read the words, I realized they were my own hearts cry as well...

    I was especially convicted and struck by the stanza that said,

    "Oh yes, there is something
    that God wants to move,
    it's my desire to control
    that He seeks to reprove."

    I am in a season of waiting, waiting for the possibility of a huge life change; waiting for inevitable heartache as a joyous season of my life will be ending soon; and waiting on several health situations. As I read your introduction to the poem, I had an ahh haa moment. I have been wondering why I have been so anxious lately. It is because I have been waiting, and I feel "out of control".

    Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder that God is in control, that He is my protector, my loving Father, my Saviour.

    I have been so blessed and encouraged by my visit here today. :-)

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  26. Oh I love this... and such a powerful poem of faith! (And I love it when God uses our own words to bless us!)

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  27. Thanks for sharing your poem, and hang it there... keep your eyes on the Lord. He will show you the way! (from one who is in that same phase of life!)

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  28. What a lovely poem! My Bible study is in Exodus at the moment, so this post was very timely. I especially love that first stanza- I often wonder if God sees me... but I trust in His promises and His character and know that He does.

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  29. This is beautiful Sharon! How many time have I felt caught between Pharaoh and the Sea? Love your words! I'm your neighbor today at #LiveFreeThursday!

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  30. Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem with #SocialButterflySunday! I think God puts us through these times so we remain humble. I am in the midst of some thing right now also, so I understand where you are coming from. It also has us rely on Him. Blessings to you and hope you will link up again this week :)

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  31. Wow! Just wow...what a beautiful poem! I love this, and it resonates with me on so many levels right now....seeing a Red Sea in front and feeling the enemy's hot breath from behind. Surely God is teaching lessons through these trials, and I love the way you brought out about Him parting us...doing this work in our hearts. Such a joy to visit here and try to get caught up on my reading!! I love and appreciate you, dear friend. :)

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  32. Well, here is ANOTHER thing we have in common... We both do poetry! I just published a poem on my blog today...

    Although yours is way more legit. Ministered to my heart this morning, my friend. Thank you for that!! Love you much.

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  33. Thank you for sharing with us at #JoyHopeLive!

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  34. So inspirational! Thank you so much for sharing with us at Thursday Favorite Things blog hop.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)