Psalm 8:8 “The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas.” (NKJV)
Reading from the well-worn pages of my Bible, I am awe-struck over the words commissioned by the Holy Spirit so long ago. My faded hand-scribbled notations found squeezed within its margins bring me peace. And recently, I was reminded of the certainty of its truths when I ran across the story of Commodore Maury.
It was mid-nineteenth century and Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury found himself in poor health. Destined to recuperate in bed yet anxious to return to his post with the Navy, left him restless. So, to help soothe his soul, his daughter sat beside him and read. One day, choosing the psalms for the peace they offered, she opened to Psalm 8. But before she could finish the short psalm, her father stopped her, requesting she reread a verse. So, she read again, “The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas.”
“Paths of the sea?” Wasn’t he a knowledgeable navigator of the waters and scripture? How is it he was unaware of this verse speaking to the sea having paths?
“’The paths of the sea, the paths of the sea.’ If God says, ‘the paths of the sea,’ they are there, and if I ever get out of this bed, I will find them,” came Commodore Maury’s reply.
Wholeheartedly believing if God’s Word says it, it must be true, the commodore resolved to locate these paths. He recovered, returned to sea, and charted God’s paths, known today as ocean currents. His very charts are utilized by ocean vessels today. His wholehearted belief in the authenticity of God’s Word meant Maury invested his life to the secrets revealed within its pages.
The Commodore’s story also reminds us of the complexity of God’s Word. Just as God’s mercies pour out upon us each day, His scripture holds newness for us each morning, providing fresh strength, healing, and guidance for whatever lies ahead. Commodore Maury must have wondered where Psalm 8:8 had been hiding all his life, but God revealed it to Him at just the opportune moment.
We, too, can rely on God’s truths. At just the right time and in a way only God can orchestrate, scripture delivers to us the truth, wisdom, and guidance we require for every season of life. When we allow God’s Word to guide the mission of our days, we will grow into a trust that dictates our steps and writes our story. May we live out the legacy of Commodore Maury: If God’s Word says it, it must be true.
Father God, may we never doubt the truth found in Your Words.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane