 Saturday: In the Calm After the Storm
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 assuaged.
Genesis 8:1
Modern translations of the scriptures are wonderful tools. They are written
in contemporary language using words that are usually easier for us to
understand. Replacing archaic language can make passages more approachable,
especially for younger readers.
Sometimes, though, things get lost in the translation—or in the
re-translation. The King James Version of Genesis 8:1 has language that is
worth revisiting. In that version, the last phrase says that “the waters
assuaged.” Assuaged? What does that mean? The Merriam-Webster Online
Dictionary says that assuage means to lessen the intensity of something that
pains or distresses: to pacify, or quiet: to put to an end by satisfying.
“Relieve” is listed as a synonym. The verse has a wonderful meaning
when read with that definition. After God made the winds blow, He made the
waters give relief. The same waters that had caused so much destruction were
used by God to pacify everyone in the ark, to quiet their spirits, to satisfy
their souls. There was calm after the storm.
I have been in a boat when winds were blowing. The waters splashed against
the boat, not destructively, but firmly. Like the passengers on the ark,
I knew that I was on a vessel that would keep me safe. The sound was soothing.
It was comforting. To say it another way, the waters assuaged.
Modern translations which say that the water receded or subsided are accurate.
There is nothing wrong with them. They still tell us that trials do not last
forever, and God will bring an end to difficult times. While we are on our
pilgrim journey, though, don’t miss the other meanings. Don’t forget
that God’s awesome power can be a source of comfort to the righteous.
In our walk day by day, there can be calm after the storm.
Almighty God, your awesome power scares me sometimes. It is too great
for me to understand. Yet I know that you love me. You have provided safety
for my soul. Give me peace in your power, comfort in your strength, and joy
in your mighty arms. Remind me that you are caring for me in the storms of
my life, and that you will send calm after every storm. Amen.
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