Ship Shape..

Have you heard that expression “ship shape”.

These were the words I heard in my Spirit from the Lord as I prayed this week.

The Lord wanted things to be “shipshape”.

The expression “shipshape” is in the dictionary and it means everything is neat and in its correct place.

All is in order, trim and tidy.

It infers that something is well maintained, easily found and ready to be used.

If something is described as shipshape it also describes the standard that is achieved or expected. Shoddy workmanship is not acceptable.

The full expression as I discovered though is “shipshape and Bristol fashion”.

Bristol is a port in the South West of England and the expression is said to have originated there in the early 18th century.

There are hundreds of sailing ports in Britain and thousands worldwide so what was different about Bristol to give rise to this expression.

Apparently, Bristol is an unlikely choice for a port as the tides (ranging up to 40 feet) and the narrow channel approach to the city of Bristol are notorious. I have read:

“In Bristol, you don’t just double up your lines and go off to the pub. You’ll find your ship hanging by her cleats when you return—or else downstream on the rocks.”

“These ferocious tidal characteristics demand a degree of attention not required in calmer ports. Unprofessional seamanship is short lived in Bristol.”

Bristol ships were prepared for drastic change and rough conditions in port as well as out at sea. They were robust and were constructed with solid frames to withstand the conditions.

We often think in life that when we are in “port or harbour” we are in safe waters so perhaps our preparations are not as tight or able to cope with drastic or sudden change as they should be.

The Lord spoke that word “shipshape” and I pray that the Lord will show us what it means to get “shipshape” so we are ready and prepared for the unexpected waves of life and changing circumstances even in safe harbour. That we are paying attention, watching and praying. I pray that our faith is robust and we will not be overwhelmed by the waves in whatever form they come but we will be ready, secure in Christ Jesus so that the waves will not overwhelm us.

Have a blessed day my friends