 While many of us have a favorite hymn from the beautifully inspired hymns of praise that have touched our hearts and brought tears to our eyes, The Songs of Zion are unique to our Church. They are songs that belong to a new time; they belong to a new era; they belong to our people. They are songs sent from the throne of God as a gift to The Church of Jesus Christ. They are inspirational and related to Christ and His promises of the latter-day times and events. This gift was given to our late Sister Arlene Buffington, as our songs of hope and joy, looking forward to the fulfillment of the kingdom of Zion, bathed in the latter-day glory of the restoration.
Today I’d like to look at No. 52.”The Sea So Great, Lord, My Boat So Small” by looking at the meaning and application of the song, because it’s too easy to sing without paying attention to the words and their meaning. 52. THE SEA SO GREAT, LORD, MY BOAT SO SMALL VERSE 1 One day it came, a storm within my soul. The sky grew dark, the clouds began to roll. The ocean raged, the waves grew tall. The sea so great, Lord, my boat so small. VERSE 2 VERSE 3 CHORUS ©1981 Arlene Lea Buffington This song brings to mind the passage of scripture found in Matthew, chapter 8:23-27:
“And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”
Of the twelve disciples that followed Jesus, we know that four of them were fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James and John). We might wonder, didn’t they know about or anticipate this great storm? I mean, even Jesus, when addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees, referenced their ability to discern the weather by observing the color of the sky (Matthew 16:1-3). So how did this great tempest arise without warning?
Well, there is a unique phenomenon that occurs when winds blow across the Sea of Galilee. It’s a body of water with mountains that surround it, dry desert air that blows across it, and it’s the largest freshwater lake in the world at 700 feet below sea level. These unique conditions create unusual storms that cause apprehension among local fishermen, even to this day. These storms arrive suddenly and unpredictably, without any indication, and in a matter of minutes, wind gusts transform the smooth surface of the water into boat-crushing waves of hurricane-like conditions.
No doubt Jesus knew of the impending storm, and possibly He wanted to see their reaction. Maybe He simply wanted them to realize that in the sea of life, storms arise, sometimes without warning. Maybe He wanted them to appreciate that we can lose sight of what we think is safe and that there are often dangers surrounding us. Maybe He wanted them to understand that, in comparison to all these things, we’re just a little boat that can be easily tossed around on the waters of life. BUT—and it’s a big BUT—despite how deep or wide, how stormy or rocky, how dim and dangerous conditions may appear, Jesus can be our Captain and our Guide to take us safely across the tides of life, if we choose to follow Him.
Alma taught his son a similar lesson saying: “And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Alma 36:3)
David wrote: “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:29-31)
And finally, Paul wrote to the Corinthians saying: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Yes, this life has many storms, but we’re directed to keep our heart, mind, and soul focused on the eternal reward that awaits those who love and serve Jesus Christ.
May God bless you.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Songs of Zion, listening to the Songs or downloading them, here’s a link, in this blog, to the church website: Church Songs and Music
This article has undergone ministry review and approval.
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