Daily Thought for Saturday 9th May 2026
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
Ride it out
Colin Sinclair
One day, walking on the Presbytery Forth to Farne Pilgrim Way, we passed through the fishing villages of St Abbs and Eyemouth. In both places (and others too) there are beautiful poignant memorials to the great fishing disaster of 14th October 1881. Through that great storm 189 fishermen lost their lives in one of the worst maritime tragedies in Scottish history. The intricate memorials, beautifully carved, portray the 260 children and over 90 widows who were bereaved that day.
The tragedy was that more fishermen died through hurrying for harbour than those who rode out the storm in the open sea. Nearer the shore the huge waves smashed boats against rocks. Out at sea, although conditions were severe, there was more space to ride the waves. Skilled fishermen could keep their boats facing into the wind and survive longer.
In certain storms, “running for harbour” could be more dangerous than staying out. Seeking peace and safety, counterintuitively, was tragically for many a wrong choice.
Jesus offers a deeper lasting peace that is steady and resilient, rooted in trust rather than circumstance. It comes from faith in the one who can help us ride out the storm. The peace we try and build is often fragile, dependent on circumstances going well – stable finances, good health, or harmonious relationships. When these are shaken, anxiety quickly takes hold.
Fear need not dominate our lives. This verse gives us encouragement to face life with courage grounded in something greater than oneself. We will not avoid the storms; indeed, we may well get battered, but with Jesus’ help we will see them through.
Shall we pray?
Lord, when the storms of life are raging … stand by me.
Colin Sinclair is a retired minister living in Peebles. He was minister of Palmerston Place Church in Edinburgh and Moderator of the General Assembly in 2019.