Batten Down the Hatches

I was recently in a time of corporate prayer when the Lord spoke this phrase to me, “Batten down the hatches.” I had obviously heard this phrase used before in television and movies but wasn’t sure of the real meaning. I did some research and learned that to batten down the hatches means to secure a ship’s hatches, especially when rough weather is expected. It is also used figuratively to mean to prepare for difficulty, crisis, or possible trouble. This phrase is a call for preparation before a fierce storm.

After looking this phrase up, I went back to the Lord in prayer asking for more context and revelation about this phrase prophetically. As I prayed, I saw a vision of people getting down in the bottom of a boat. Although the storm was raging all around and they could feel the ship being tossed by the intense waves, they were dry, safe, and at peace. This vision of course reminds me of the account in the gospels where Jesus was down in the bottom of the boat asleep during a fierce storm.

I believe this prophetic word is a warning that many will soon face an intense storm. However, for those who will heed the voice of the Lord and “Batten down the hatches,” they will find themselves safe and at peace in the midst of the storm. If you are keeping up with anything in America and a lot of the nations of the world, you are aware of the storms that are already raging. The world seems to be as loud as it has ever been. However, I believe that God is looking for those who will weather the warfare of the next season with faith and trust in the God who controls the wind and the waves!

Psalm 16:8 says, “Because I set you, Yahweh, always close to me, my confidence will never be weakened, for I experience your wraparound presence every moment.” Because you belong to God you can be at peace and confident in Him in every moment. His faithfulness and sovereignty are steadfast in good, bad, and stormy weather. In trials, testing, and difficulty God’s promises to you do not change. So in this season, remain confident in God. Never forget that Jesus is alive and He is sitting at the right hand of the Father continuously interceding for us. So do not fear the storm. Prepare in the place of prayer and take refuge in His peace that surpasses our natural thinking.

My friends, hear and heed this prophetic word of the Lord in this hour but do not be afraid and do not worry. This is a prophetic call to prepare, not cower in fear. Prepare in prayer and fasting. Ground yourself in the word of God and in His promises that He has spoken over your life. Every storm runs out of rain and you will reach your appointed destination unharmed and stronger in the Lord because of it!

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Joe Joe Dawson

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About the Author

Joe Joe is a Kingdom Winds Contributor and a visionary leader who empowers believers to accomplish the call that God has placed inside of them. His heart is to see this nation awakened and for every individual to experience personal revival. God is calling us as believers to a greater depth of intimacy with Him, and Joe's passion is to see that reached.

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