This is a commonly heard phrase, “Better batten down the hatches.” You may have heard it being used humorously when your boss is coming into the office or VIP is visiting the company. Or on a more serious note of a coming forecast of high winds and pending disaster. The meaning is that one is to hold on to something tightly for the trouble that is coming! To prepare.
Origination
How did the phrase originate? Picture a ship in rough seas. The crew, especially if aware of the coming storm would close the hatches or the openings (doorway) in the ship’s deck. Battens were long, narrow strips of wood used to hold down canvas covers tightly over the hatches. On a ship, the crew would close the hatches and use battens to seal them, stopping seawater from flooding the lower decks.
Meaning
The meaning behind this phrase is to secure for survival against a coming storm. Bracing for any approaching trouble or difficulty. For this one needed foresight and preparation.
The world is in chaos. With each passing day, we hear of the calamities near and far. All warning us, Jesus is coming soon!
God Protects His Own
Don’t fret, if you have put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can be comforted to know He knows exactly how to protect His people! We have everything we need to walk in victory! Just as one should batten down the hatches in a time of storms, God’s people must be mentally and spiritually prepared for storms that lie directly ahead of us.
God’s Word is ever true when John wrote what Jesus said, “John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This is not a time to fear but for the Believer to rejoice! God is on the throne and there is no other true living God but Him! Our peace is not of this world or in circumstances. We live in the world, but our spiritual home is in God’s Kingdom. Our peace comes from God, who made the heavens and the earth. He is the Creator of the entire world! When we focus on Him and His truth, we can choose not to be afraid. But rather to choose to walk in victory. And we can because He has already obtained everything we need to win in life!
The Bible tells us, Psalms 2:4, “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure.”
It may seem the enemy is advancing and thwarting God’s purposes and plans, but He sees everything and knew before it happened. God knows the heart of each individual whether it be good or evil. He is not surprised. Know God is fighting for His people against every assault against you and His Truth. We need to put on the full armor of God and see the Lord God in all His power, guarding our hearts and minds with His promises! Be sure, the power of the Holy Spirit in us will carry us through every season by His grace!
God purposes shall prevail!
Marguerite Wafula
wakeuptohope.blog