Cushion of the Sea
The sermon explores the profound peace of God, likening it to the undisturbed depths of the sea amid life's storms.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the peace of God that transcends all understanding, comparing it to the eternal calm deep beneath the surface of the sea that remains undisturbed by external troubles. He emphasizes that entering into God's presence allows us to partake in this undisturbed and undisturbable calm, where no storm can shake us. Just like the peaceful stillness beneath the raging ocean, those who dwell in God's love experience a sacred temple where the noise of life's troubles fades away into hushed silence.
Text
"And the peace of God, which transcends all our powers of thought, will be a garrison to guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7) (Weymouth).
There is what is called the "cushion of the sea." Down beneath the surface that is agitated by storms, and driven about with winds, there is a part of the sea that is never stirred. When we dredge the bottom and bring up the remains of animal and vegetable life we find that they give evidence of not having been disturbed in the least, for hundreds and thousands of years. The peace of God is that eternal calm which, like the cushion of the sea, lies far too deep down to be reached by any external trouble and disturbance; and he who enters into the presence of God, becomes partaker of that undisturbed and undisturbable calm.--Dr. A. T. Pierson
When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean,
And billows wild contend with angry roar,
'Tis said, far down beneath the wild commotion,
That peaceful stillness reigneth evermore.
Far, far beneath, the noise of tempest dieth,
And silver waves chime ever peacefully,
And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth,
Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea.
So to the heart that knows Thy love, O Purest,
There is a temple sacred evermore,
And all the babble of life's angry voices
Dies in hushed silence at its peaceful door.
Far, far away, the roar of passion dieth,
And loving thoughts rise calm and peacefully,
And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth,
Disturbs the soul that dwells, O Lord, in Thee.
--Harriet Beecher Stowe
"The Pilgrim they laid in a large upper chamber, facing the sun-rising. The name of the chamber was Peace." --Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the concept of peace - The analogy of the cushion of the sea - The eternal calm of God's peace
- II points: - The impact of external troubles - The depth of God's peace - How to access this peace
- III points: - The role of God's presence in achieving peace - The contrast between worldly turmoil and divine calm - Living in the peace of God
- IV points: - The significance of love in experiencing peace - The metaphor of the temple of the heart - The importance of silence and stillness
- V points: - Biblical references to peace - Lessons from literature on peace - Encouragement to seek peace in God
Key Quotes
“The peace of God is that eternal calm which, like the cushion of the sea, lies far too deep down to be reached by any external trouble and disturbance.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Far, far beneath, the noise of tempest dieth, and silver waves chime ever peacefully.” — Charles E. Cowman
“The name of the chamber was Peace.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Seek God's presence daily to experience His unshakeable peace.
- Create moments of silence in your life to connect with the divine calm.
- Trust in God's love to guard your heart against external disturbances.