January 4: Of 375 Difficult Days

Genesis 8:1-10:32

Matthew 4:12-25

Psalm 4:1-8

Proverbs 1:20-23

Did I do the math right?  In yesterday's reading, in Genesis 7:6, we read that Noah and his family entered the ark on the 17th day of the second month of Noah's 600th year.  In today's reading, in Genesis 8:13-15, we read that God commanded Noah to come out of the ark on the 27th day of the second month of his 601st year.  That would mean they were in the ark a year and ten days.   In storm-tossed seas in a boat 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high with no engine, no stabilizers, no lights, power or plumbing.  With at least two of every animal and bird that existed, and all their food.  And, based on Gen 8:6, with all the windows closed.  

Put yourself in Noah's family's sandals.  See, Noah talked to God - they didn't.  They got into the ark on their father's instruction.  And now they are in a boat without windows, tossing increasingly violently in a storm the likes of which they'd never seen, the stench of animals and their excrement growing, and no idea when it would all end. They were human, so it is probably fair to say there were a few times in the 375 days they were in there that they felt fear, despair, perhaps helplessness and hopelessness.  

Hold on…if you're anything like me, you probably do not need such terrible uncertainty in your life to fall into hopelessness and despair.  Like me, you've probably been through what Mother Teresa called the last 50 years of her beautiful life: the "dark night of the soul".  When we are in such conditions, where do we find what we need to carry on? 

Good news - we have Noah's example.  He lived a life that found favor with God; he listened to God; and he obeyed God.  And so he new of the coming peril; he knew what to do to avoid it; he even knew when to enter the ark and close the door, and reopen it once the danger had passed.  When we live a life that acknowledges Him, and then learn to listen for Him, that is how clearly we can hear God's instructions.  And knowing He is in control, that is where we can find hope, through the anger of the storm, the darkness of the night, the hopelessness and despair. 

Father, at the start of the year, we pray to live lives that help us learn to listen for You, that help us recognize Your voice.  Reassure us when things get tough; let us know You control the storm, and we will emerge with You at the end of it.