Through The Fog of Life

/ Joe Rodriguez

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Born and raised in the Caribbean the only place I ever saw fog was on television and I always associated it with something sinister. After all, the slow-moving, almost life-like dense mist always seemed to be swallowing everything in its path. However, it wasn’t until I moved to the mainland (NYC) and walked through thick foggy streets that I realized how mesmerizing, but also eerie and dangerous fog can actually be. Losing visibility can be terrifying especially when traveling. Tule fog (pronounced too-lee) is one of the thickest ground fogs and the leading cause of weather-related accidents in California. The worst maritime disaster (1914) where 1,074 people lost their lives after two ships collided on the St. Lawrence River in Canada was caused by heavy fog. Subsequently, there have been quite a number of ship collisions due to foggy conditions. Fog is the navigator’s most dangerous enemy.

Lighthouses are equipped with powerful super-high beams of light that cut through the fiercest of storms. However, when dense fog conditions appear and prevent light signals from piercing the thick nebulous walls, lighthouses resort to using the strong booming yawn of foghorns. These audible signals give vessels of all shape and size the ability to avoid collision with rock outcrops and headlands and gain safe passage through low or no visibility.  Likewise, God has provided us with the glorious light of his Word to guide us through the many storms of life. When these storms are replaced by the dense fog of sin and spiritual decadence is imminent, remember that God has also provided us with the warning sound of godly counsel from other Christians and even media sources like this blog.

Before ascending into heaven Jesus promised to be with us until the end of this world (Matthew 28:20 KJV). Like a lighthouse, He remains unmovable by our side and, through the light of His word, guides us as we travel the treacherous waters of uncertainty, fear, and doubt. Like a foghorn, He continues to audibly admonish us through spiritual leaders and through God-fearing family members and friends. So, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and His word and keep your ears attentive to biblical advice from those you trust. If you do, you will safely navigate through the inevitable challenging seas of life.

Prayer: Father in heaven, I take this moment to thank you for your Word. It is the light that guides my soul to peace in the midst of a storm. I also want to thank you for the godly men and women you have put in my path. Through them, you not only encourage me but lovingly admonish me so that I may walk humbly and right before you. May my eyes remain focused on you and my ears opened to listen to your counsel. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

SCRIPTURES
“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” -Psalm 48:18

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
– Proverbs 11:14

“Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” -Proverb 4:13

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…” -Hebrews 12:2

-All Scripture is quoted from the NIV unless otherwise stated.

Photo: By Allen Hughes

13 thoughts on “Through The Fog of Life”

  2. Excellent post! Jesus is exactly like a lighthouse and by living in us, we also become carriers of the light to warn people of danger. We must be very careful to avoid sin so we don’t dim that light and diminish our ability to help others keep from being dashed on the rocks.

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  3. Very well written Joe. Your words reminded me of Psalm 27:1-3, where David says, “The LORD is my light” – shows us what to do in our lives. “The LORD is my stronghold”, showing us when trouble comes, and it will, the LORD will be with us in the “fog.” He won’t leave us by ourselves.
    Look forward to reading more of your contributions.

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    • Thanks for the encouragement Mel. If you read the “About” section on my blog you’ll learn that my true God-given talent is creative design. I never thought I could write anything other than love letters although some of my college friends would regularly ask me to help them with their term papers! After being encouraged by my wife for some time I recently decided to write about my love for lighthouses. Of course, I give all the glory to God for helping me transfer my heart unto the screen. Oh, and thanks to Grammarly too! 😉 My hope is to one day publish at least one devotional book. I love your blog, by the way!

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      • Thanks Joe, and you do seem to have a spiritual gift in your writing skills. I have a incompleted edit of a manuscript titled Cape Disappointment. The somewhat fictional story takes place around a Lighthouse. Maybe one day, it will be complete and published.

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  5. Love this devotional. My favorite is how you tie in the foghorn with spiritual leaders who audibly admonish us through God’s Word. I can’t wait until the next devotional. Love you sweetheart, I am so proud of you and your gift of encouragement. Your wife, Mari.

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