Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Whew! Got by that one! We dodged a bullet in 2016! While I remain skeptical of a Donald Trump presidency, I believe God granted us a reprieve by saving us from Hillary Clinton. Even so, the current administration continues to do its best to inflict as much damage to this nation, while in the death throes of its waning days.
Who knows what lies ahead in 2017? The stock market has taken an upward turn with the prospect of “President” Donald Trump. If he follows through on half of his promises, there is hope for better days ahead. However, the best of intentions must still deal with reality, and the reality is that we live in a very unstable and volatile world. The future is future. We can look to the past. We exist in the present, but the future is opaque at best, and dark and obscure for the most part. We cannot know what will come to pass. We can plan and hope for the best, but there is no guarantee of a calamity-free future. We can sound the waters, but sometimes there are hidden shoals that can sink our ship.
When navigating unfamiliar waters, an experienced pilot can help the captain guide the ship through safe waterways. A wise captain will turn the ship over to the pilot who knows the way. William Ernest Henley said, “I am the captain of my soul.” That foolish boast failed to avert his bout with tuberculosis, and did not stay the death angel when Henley succumbed to the disease at the age of 53.
We cannot know what 2017 will bring, nor can we avert the adversities that may come upon us. Like Henley, we may prefer to “captain” our own soul, but if we are wise, we will turn the helm over to The Pilot that knows the way. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10, emphasis mine).
No matter what 2017 may bring, God promises to give us “a new thing” and to “make a way in the wilderness, and in rivers in the desert.” If God is your Pilot, you will do fine!
Ernie's Musings 
What a great post, Ernie! I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, a port city. Then moved to Houston, another port city. Dick and I have watched all our lives as barges, tankers, and every other large ship surrendered to the navigational skills of tug boat pilots to bring their ships to dock.
Why would we even consider sailing the tumultuous waters of this life in these frail vessels without surrendering to the control of the Sovereign God of the Universe and His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ?
One day there will be much weeping when God says to many, “Depart from me. I never knew you.” And I believe that’s the time God will have to wipe the tears from our eyes. Friends, family, and relationships severed forever, because we didn’t care enough to tell them about Jesus.
Perhaps 2017 will be the year we get serious about praying, caring, loving, and bringing people to the Lord. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful 2017 if revival swept America? That’s my prayer…and Lord, let it begin in me.
Thank you, DiAne, and AMEN! Being ex-Navy I’ve had a little experience with this. Even old salty Navy captains were wise enough to turn the helm over to the harbor pilot. I also heard of incidents when proud Navy ship’s captains refused the assistance and ran their ships aground. It’s best to turn our lives over to the One who knows the future and holds our lives in His hands. Happy New Year!
Reblogged this on MOVING THE ANCIENT BOUNDARIES and commented:
By my friend and fellow author. Deep waters, Ernie. Great message for the first day of 2017!
DiAne
Great post, Ernie! My sentiments exactly. Here’s wishing you God’s grace and blessings throughout 2017! 🙂