Turn This Ship Around
by Brett Barry
Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. James 3:4
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called not only to grow in our faith, but to mature into the fullness of His example as the Son of the living God. While much about His life was certainly profound, His life example was the fruit of a very practical truth:
Because Jesus loved The Father more than anything, He sought to please Him with every thought and every action.
Emulate Jesus.
On the one hand, that’s a pretty tall measure, and seems wildly unattainable at times, for sure. Yet, Scripture is clear that, “whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” 1 Jn 2:6. And we also have Jesus cutting to the heart of the matter with, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
So we have God’s seemingly unachievable standard of holiness, and Jesus’ assurance that holiness is possible, so much so that it’s expected.
In between, we have the responsibility of bringing our thought life, independent willfulness and emotions into agreement with God - our soul realm that is being redeemed, “…transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory…” 2 Cor 3:18.
There is a lot we could discuss about this, but I’m going to instead share a song lyric from "Turn This Ship Around" that identifies five navigation points in our faith journey on the road to maturity; key components for which we are responsible because God has enabled us to obey (adjust and overcome) by His Spirit in us, and by which, through tending to, we grow up into Christ:
Vision. Thought. Desire. Repentance. Perseverance.
All need addressing in our lives if we are to grow in Christ's likeness. In the light of God's holiness and His Spirit's empowering, I encourage you to vulnerably and honestly ponder each of these in your life.
In short, the witness necessary to draw a life to Jesus, strengthen a community or restore a nation begins with our personal transformation through the renewing of our minds. The effect of Christ-centered thinking coupled with persevering action is life-changing, both for us, and for those around us.
Truth is, we will act more like Jesus when we begin thinking more like Jesus. Our lives can at times feel like a big ship driven by the wind and overwhelmed by the waves that make it impossible to navigate. But, it's in the midst of it all that we fix our eyes on Jesus and become transformed by the renewing of our minds in Him.
As we confess agreement with God in our thoughts and overcome through persevering obedience in our actions, we begin to grow up into Christ, and our very lives reveal to a lost and dying world the beauty of His good, perfect and acceptable will.
I pray strength and courage to you today as you renew your mind in Christ.
In Him, you can.
May your navigation be clear, and your course true.
Turn This Ship Around
Words & Music by Brett Barry
The sound of change she says is so appealing
But the old familiar winds just keep her reeling
So steady on in hopelessness she goes, she goes
And though the higher words of faith stir up desire
Still more the fear and doubt keep adding to the fire
That burns to ashes every tender bud before it grows, before it grows
Pre-Chorus
But it only takes a thought, followed by a want
Committed to one move that leads the other way
It only takes resolve to stand on solid ground
To begin the course of change that will turn this ship around
Chorus
So hoist now the sails, batten down the hatches
Tie your body to the rail, and pray for daylight to abound
And lock the destination in, stoke the fire of inspiration
Feel the tide of strength rising up within
Let fear and doubt be lost and hope be found
And turn this ship around
Oh, the power of hope deferred is so commanding
Leaves the best of good intentions alone and standing
Beneath the weight of emptiness and want of something more, something more
But deep beneath the waves of desolation
I see the strength to rise above the hesitation
To picture what you once believed was good and set on the shore
Pre-Chorus
It only takes a thought, followed by a want
Committed to one move that leads the other way
It only takes resolve to stand on solid ground
To begin the course of change that will turn this ship around
Chorus 2
So hoist now the sails, batten down the hatches
Tie your body to the rail, and pray for heaven to come down
And lock the destination in, stoke the fire of inspiration
Feel the tide of strength rising up within
Let fear and doubt be lost and hope be found
And turn this ship around
Tag
And you can do it if you try
Even young birds have to learn to fly
So turn this ship around
Turn This Ship Around
Words & Music by Brett Barry
© Copyright: Brett Barry Music
P.S. Get a free download of “Turn This Ship Around” for a limited time: CLICK HERE