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Whether we will or not, it is ours to sail across the sea of life. As the ship on the sea is subject to calms, and storms, and fair weather, and is exposed to dangers untold, and driven here and there by the force of winds and tides; so is every man's experience; and it behoves each to ask himself whither he is bound, and whether he has a good hope of reaching his "desired haven."

I. IT IS SUGGESTIVE OF REST. It is a "haven." Fellow-voyagers, are you looking for rest? Beyond all this toil of the ocean, are you expecting the repose of the haven?

II. IT IS SUGGESTIVE OF SAFETY. As the sailor cannot be endangered until the very harbour is destroyed; so, as long as Jehovah is, the Christian soul is safe. And this is true not only of his future, but also of his present state. Yes, God Himself is their protection.

III. IT IS SUGGESTIVE OF HAPPINESS. Do not blame us if we sometimes turn a longing gaze towards the "fulness of joy" which is in His "presence," and to the "pleasures for evermore" which are "at His right hand."

IV. IT IS SUGGESTIVE OF POSSESSION. He knows that when once the "desired haven" has been reached, all life's dangers will be for ever over; all life's mysteries will be for ever solved; all life's labours will be for ever crowned, and he will "enter into the joy" of his Lord. "And so shall we ever be with the Lord."

(W. H. Burton.)

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KJV: Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

WEB: Then they are glad because it is calm, so he brings them to their desired haven.