Our Ship of State

Fifty years of Independence

A half-century at our craft

Now regarded as a ship of state

Having started out as a raft.

Through waters of variance

And sailing many a strait

Along the channels of resistance

We have had to navigate.

It has not been easy

Though sometimes it was light

But amidst the ups and downs

We focused on the light.

Targets not always clear

At times appeared nebulous

But with much determination

We placed in God our trust.

We often sing of His guidance

Whenever our anthem we raise

For without him by our side

We‘d never traverse life’s maze.

Much has been our growth

Sometimes stunted and slowed

But so far in our existence

We have survived every blow.

There’s still a long way to go

The future appears depressing

But with faith in God above

We can continue progressing.

For it’s not what we possess

That ultimately sees us through

It’s God in whom we trust

That turns grey skies to blue.

So as we reflect on the past fifty

And raise our glasses in toasting

Let us remember the God who led

And avoid the careless boasting.

 

Let us continue to trust Him

As we navigate the troubled seas

With head and heart and hand

With our aim always God to please.

For in God’s hand our ship is safe

And to safe harbor He will bring,

Whatever the tempest or the storm

Over all creation He is King.

So reflect, yes, that’s a must

And project without needless fuss

But in it all and through it all

Remember that it’s in God we trust.

Stewart Russell © 2016