Billows.  It’s not a word used very often in these days.  For the last several months I have been posting a hymn nearly every day on Facebook and in so doing I have noticed the word “billows” used quite often.  Here are some of the quotes …

“He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey …” (Love Lifted Me)

“Tho clouds may gather in the sky and billows round me roll, however dark the world may be I’ve sunlight in my soul.” (Sunlight)

“Never mind the tossing billows, take my hand & trust in Me.” (I Will Pilot Thee)

“There’s a deep settled peace in my soul (2x), tho the billows of sin o’er me roll, He abides, Christ abides”!   (Hidden Peace)

“Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love”. (chorus)

“…floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll …” (Since Jesus Came Into My Heart)

“We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure as the billows roll” (We Have An Anchor)

“How often when trials like sea billows roll …” (Hiding in Thee)

“Tho billows roll, He keeps my soul …” (My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me)

“Master, the tempest is raging the billows are tossing high” (Master the Tempest is Raging)

“Winds of temptation and billows of woe …” (Throw Out the Lifeline)

“When sorrows like sea billows roll …” (It is Well With My Soul)

So, what is/are billows?  The dictionary says, “a great wave or surge of the sea; any surging mass”.  I picture a tsunami … a massive wave coming straight for me.  In one sense it can bring terror but in a positive sense it speaks to me of the overwhelming presence and peace of Jesus!

Picture in your mind that you are standing on the beach.  You’ve just heard the report that a tsunami is coming straight for you and there is no time to run.  But look again … it is not a raging sea to devour you but a great wave of His peace that will overwhelm you in supernatural waves!

Read the above words again with that picture in mind.  A chorus I sing OFTEN … “Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above.  Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love.”  WOW!   Fathomless.  Billows.  Love.

Fathomless … something I cannot imagine.  Impossible to imagine.  Incomprehensible.  Unending.

Billows … magnificent waves surging over me.

Love … and peace and joy immersing me.  The waves coming to overwhelm you are waves of His peace and love … not terror.

Don’t fear.  Trust Him!  His love will overwhelm you!

WOW!