Earlier today, the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship was making its way into Boston Harbor. It moved along its way slow and steady. As I watched and thought about the length, width and height of the ship and the many people who work to keep it running, those who visit and vacation on it, and those who serve them as well as all the available amenities, I found myself feeling amazed at this “city” on the water.

Sometimes the thought of being self-sufficient and an island unto oneself, can be enticing. Especially when one can have everything wanted, needed and/or preferred encapsulated in a setting that is perhaps picture perfect. However, while the ship and all who are on it may be seemingly content in the middle of the ocean, or a short way from the shore, there are just as many people off the boat as there are on it who help to keep it going. Activity by both land and sea is necessary for the successful operation of the cruise ship. This is true regardless of whether or not everyone involved is a fan, or cares for the idea of a cruise.

For example, the person who provides or delivers the produce to the ship may have no desire to take a cruise or go offshore, for whatever reason, yet their role remains vital. Often, especially in times of disagreement, we can lose sight of the facts, the value of each other, and the truth. Just as water in the ocean can become less clear from turbulence, the truth also can become muddled.

“The irony is that at the very moment he [Pilate] asked his question ‘What is truth?’ he was staring at the pure incarnation of Truth. The One who is the Truth had just said to him, ‘Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’

Pilate missed that voice. The words bounced off his ears. He was not ‘of the truth’.”
– R.C. Sproul

In Psalm 145 it is written, “The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth” (v18). Even in times of distress or uncertainty, the Truth is always closer than we may think. The Truth is often right in front of us, next to and inside us, waiting to be discovered… waiting for us to be open and ready not only to see it, but also to receive it. When we call out and seek the Truth earnestly and honestly, with both heart and mind, its Voice is unmistakable. Everything else is just noise.