Batten Down the Hatches

When we come under attack it is good to secure our thoughts, and our minds,  with the word of God, prayer, praise, and worship. I liken this to four sides, a plan to keep our minds, and our thoughts, safe and secure. These are how we batten down and cover our mind when the storm rages, and you know it will.

When the storm rages
And I know it will,
In Your still small voice, I hear,
Be calm! Be sure! Be still!

When the winds do howl,
crashing waves upon the rocks,
I will not fear nor be afraid;
Knowing the dangers You do block!

For when I succumb to fear
Thinking all is lost and gone,
It is then I am reminded
To whom I do belong.

You are my Shied and Buckler,
You are my Hiding Place;
You are my Strong Tower,
My peace and Saving Grace!

My Shelter and my Refuge
From all of life’s storms,
All Powerful and Mighty,
Protector from all of life’s harm.

Yes this vessel is Yours to sail,
I’ll batten down the hatches,
I’ll keep my eyes completely on You
Remembering it is You who catches.

You have no rival nor any foe
that can defeat or withstand,
this promise to Your children,
Protection by Your own hand.

Now as we prepare to sail again
reminded as danger approaches,
the storms of life will not overtake me,
I am in You, Almighty Creator of the ocean.

laurette laster © 2018 July

Hebrews 12:3 AMPC
“Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.”

To batten down the hatch is to secure a tarpaulin cover over the hatch or opening. The batten is to keep the tarpaulin from blowing off. When bad weather was imminent, the hatches were covered with tarpaulin and the cover was lined on all four sides with wooden strips, know as battens. When we find ourselves being attacked we must batten down our tarpaulin (thoughts, mind) with The Word, Prayer, Praise, Worship. These four things will keep our minds dry, protected, and safe. I know it is difficult. The picture above that looks like a W, in the sky, was actually a sign to me during a very difficult time. I couldn’t seem to get this negative thought out of my mind. I woke up thinking about it and I went to bed thinking about it. I knew this was wrong and that I had to fight this fight over my mind and my thoughts.

During this time I was driving to work one morning around 6:30 AM and I noticed the horizon was odd. It was unlike I had ever noticed before. I kept thinking about the cloud bank on the top and the bottom with the sun glazed clouds in the middle. I drove toward this for several minutes when I thought, “that looks like a Hebrew letter.” I took out my iPhone and snapped the picture. How I wished I had taken the photo about 15 minutes earlier, before the clouds began to dissipate. It was much more defined when the sun first came up. When I had time I did what any good study does, I went to Google,  and sure enough it is very much like a Hebrew letter and it is pronounced Sh. I got it. A sign from above to sh, shush,  be quiet, hush the negative thoughts. So each time the offense came to my mind I would begin to sing a praise song, or begin praying. If I were home alone I would get my bible, stand up and begin reading the words out loud. It worked and it always will. Today I honestly cannot recall what the offense was.

Recently I have had an opportunity to again become negative or offended, but I remembered the above incident. Batten down the hatches quick, I told myself. Yes I had to go through a process. Taking every thought captive and pulling down strong holds cannot be done with a magic touch. I have discovered that it must be done in and through a process. Line upon line, precept upon precept, but we make the decision immediately to forgive and to pray over the situation. After we have made the decision to not take offence we can begin the work involved. We can stand on verses such as Hebrew 4:15, The word of God is alive, powerful able to discern the thoughts and intents of our minds. The word of God divides between soul and spirit, even judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Wow that is the batten I want covering me during my stormy seas and dangerous waters.

The hatches were openings covered by wooden slatted grates that allow for ventilation in the interior of the vessel. Hatches are found on ships and other sailing vessels and are simply the openings to allow for fresh air.

Ruach HaKodesh,

Father thank You for Your word which protects our minds and our thoughts. Your word is alive and sharp enough to cut through our carnal thoughts. May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be pleasing and acceptable in Your sight, oh Lord our Rock and our redeemer. Holy Spirit it is You who is the wind in our sails. We have hope ‘This’ hope as an anchor for our souls. Guide us precious Holy Spirit and counselor, You are our guide through rough waters and the choppy seas of life. May we always be a willing vessel ready for The Master’s use. Amen

God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you and give you Shalom.

thank you for listening with me-laurette