Who's Rockn' the Boat?!

In 1973 songwriter Wally Holmes wrote a popular song titled “Rock the boat”. In the chorus, the singer is asking the pointed question, “So I’d like to know where you got the notion …to Rock the boat..don’t rock the boat baby, …tip the boat,… don’t tip the boat over”. The music was catchy, but I believe the lyrics sold the records...it was relatable. We as humans, do not like our boats or lives rocked. We love smooth sailing and calm seas. It is in those times on glassy seas that we can look ahead, plan our course and set our sails. All is right in the world.

But when the breeze starts to whip and the waves begin to grow, our peace is quickly replaced with worry and dread. Our boat begins to rock and we bellow, “All hands on deck!”. We find ourselves criticizing our fumbling crew and wondering who is to blame. Who made our serene vessel lurch and sway and caused our trusty compass to spin? We cry out frantically, “Who is rocking the boat!?”

Thousands of years ago a mighty boat began to rock and pitch. A family of eight huddled in its belly. The creaking of the hull was deafening as the waters pounded the sides. Hanging onto their faith was the most secure thing that Noah and his family could do in the mist of such a colossal storm. You see, Noah and his family knew who rocked the boat.

It was a holy and loving God that rocked their boat. Through the violent waters he lifted them from the filth of a corrupt society. Through the raging currents He carried them high above the muck and mire. In all the rocking, pitching and lurching they were being saved. In 1 Peter 3:20 it tells of the “eight persons that were saved by water”, we see that the same waters that brought death to the wicked, brought life to the righteous.

Yes, God will rock the boat at times. He will cause the waters to rise, not that we drown, but that we are lifted from the dangers below. His tide moves us on and to not become complacent. To get rid of those barnacles of this world, to unleash the anchors that slow us down. To encourage us to rest deep within His hull and find our salvation and security in Him and not in ourselves. Yes, our God will rock the boat, and we can trust and know that it is good, for He is good.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and through the rivers, they will shall not overwhelm you…for I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior.” Isaiah 43:2,3