Semper Paratus

While on a recent trip to Oregon, we stopped at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria. Wow! I was really impressed by their displays, especially the miniature ships. So cool! One of the last cases held my daughter's childhood favorite, the USS Constitution.

 

One of the first displays, though, was that of an actual US Coast Guard rescue ship. Very impressive! On the opposite wall was the US Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus—Always Ready. The US Coast Guard exists with a purpose to be always ready to protect and preserve the United States.

I couldn't but help think that my God is always ready to protect and preserve me. That is what the Psalmist wrote—

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:1 (NLT)

And the prophet Jonah knew this about God. He prayed—

Eternal One, isn’t this what I said would happen when I was still in my own country? This is exactly the reason I ran away to Tarshish in the first place. I know how You are! I know that You are not like other gods, that You are full of grace and compassion, that it takes a lot to make You angry, and that Your loyal love is so great that You are always ready to relent from inflicting misery.

Jonah 4:2 (The Voice)

The prophet Joel cried out to rebellious Israel about their God who is always ready—

Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here’s why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot. This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe. Who knows? Maybe he’ll do it now, maybe he’ll turn around and show pity. Maybe, when all’s said and done, there’ll be blessings full and robust for your God!

Joel 2:13-14 (The Message)

Nehemiah's words remind us all, not just the remnant of Israel he addressed, that the Lord God who doesn't abandon His people is—

…a God of forgiveness, always ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and full of love and mercy;

Nehemiah 9:17 (TLB)

Our God, unlike the US Coast Guard, is unlimited in power and ability. Like the advertising sign I saw on a van that passed us on the freeway—"We promise. We deliver"—what our God promises, He delivers. Always! Unlike the owners of the business the ad represented, though, our God is always ready to come to our aid. He doesn't keep business hours.

We give You praise, Lord God, that You do see and take notice of trouble and suffering and are always ready to help. We the helpless commit ourselves to You Because You have always helped the needy. (From Psalm 10:14 GNT) In the Name above all names, Jesus, amen.

 

Yahweh is merciful, compassionate, patient, and always ready to forgive.

Psalm 145:8 (NOG)