ASSWAGED

 

Write From My Heart

October 16, 2021

ASSWAGED {obsolete spelling of assuaged} lessened in severity; calmed

Genesis 8:1 (KJV)  And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged.

            Beginning with a note of humor, as I looked up the meaning for today’s word, I received the message: “Love words? You must—there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary…” Somehow I just found a great source of humor in receiving that message.

            Today’s verse reminds me that God is always watching. He did so back in Noah’s day, and he continues to watch us in every situation today, and he will continue to do so throughout all time. As for Noah, his problem—namely, the flood that destroyed all life outside of the ark—began  with rain lasting 40 days until the waters rose fifteen cubits (equivalent to 22.14567 feet) higher than the mountains. The waters remain upon the whole face of the earth for 150 days extinguishing all life for no human nor beast could tread water that long let alone survive that long without sustenance. Indeed, the Bible tells us specifically and unequivocally:

Genesis 7:21-23 (KJV) And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth; and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.

            Now that’s pretty clear! Yet the Bible clearly states that God remembered Noah and all that was with him in the ark. The troubles (a.k.a., flood waters) were not removed instantly. It took over a year—most scholars agree somewhere between 1 year and 10-17 days—for the waters to dry up enough for Noah to exit the ark. I admire the patience of Noah and his family for their living conditions could not have been optimal during their time of waiting. The lesson I learn from Noah is certainly patience. God knows and fully understands each trial we face. Our problems rarely are removed instantaneously. Often, there are residual consequences and elements which remain long after the actual problems have abated. Yet God is faithful and he remembers his people. He remembers me. He remembers you. He knows the struggles we face. He knows how long those struggles will last. Most importantly, he is with us until the waters asswage. Even then, he remembers you.

Psalm 46:1 (KJV)  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.