Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rocks and treacherous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
The pages were yellow and fragile and the binding was well worn, but I turned those delicate pages and admired the beautiful ink drawings of Christian, pilgrim, making his journey toward the celestial city.
It’s one of my favorite chapters in Pilgrim’s Progress. The one where Christian the hero is led across the river by his companion named Hopeful. It is Hopeful who leads the pilgrim to the other side where his long journey ends at the golden city. As Pilgrim crosses the river – we learn that it’s the river of death – he nearly drowns in the billows that flood over him… the water is deep and he loses his footing… there are whirlpools which sweep him in circles and he becomes disoriented entirely losing his way… he loses his grip on sanity or reality and in the midst of the death throws he begins to doubt everything he thought he always knew about his Savior. Christian is sure that he is about to drown.
But as this Christian, Pilgrim, passes through the river, he does one thing – he holds onto the shoulder of his steady companion, his friend named Hopeful. On the ink drawing on the page, I thought it was curious that Hopeful always keeps his eyes looking forward on the riverbank ahead. Hopeful always keeps his eyes on the other side unflinching, not looking back, turning to the left or right. Christian may have lost his way; but not Hopeful. It was Hopeful that led Pilgrim across the river, right to the gates of the golden city.
One day – perhaps sooner for some than most – one day you and I will stand on the brink of that fearful river, and when we do we should remember Psalm 31:24 where it says “Be strong, take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Hope never disappoints you, friend… that’s because your Blessed Hope is Jesus. Today if you feel like you’re drowning, if you’ve lost your footing… if you’re losing your grip on sanity… if you’re so disoriented, -- losing your grip on reality – would you please hold on to the shoulder of Jesus… -- he’s looking forward -- He never loses His way – that’s because He is the way across the river.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends