“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”- Isaiah 30:21 NIV
The Essex: A Haunting Lesson on Fear and the Need for a True Guide
On November 20, 1820, in the vast and unforgiving expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Captain George Pollard Jr. and the crew of the Essex faced a moment that would define their lives and seal their fate. Swayed by fear, they chose what seemed to be the best and safest path to preserve their lives, only to descend into a nightmare of starvation, despair, and the loss of their humanity. It is a story that reveals the power of fear to lead us astray but also serves as a warning of what happens when we lack a true guide and reliable map for our journey in life.
The sun started to drop below the horizon over the endless expanse of the Pacific. In the dimming light, their three small whaleboats bobbed like little corks on a vast and indifferent sea. With his ship sinking to the bottom of the sea, Captain Pollard stared into the distance, his mind tossed by the twin storms of fear and indecision.
The Essex set sail from Nantucket in August 1819, a sturdy whaling ship with a seasoned crew. Captain Pollard, though young, was confident in his abilities. The crew, including First Mate Owen Chase and cabin boy Thomas Nickerson, were eager for the adventure and the promise of profit from the whale oil they would bring back.
The voyage began with high spirits and clear skies, but as you know, the sea is fickle. A short time later, a violent storm battered the Essex, severely damaging the ship and two of its whaleboats. The crew’s morale wavered, but they pressed on, driven by the promise of reward from the hunt.
Months passed, and the Essex ventured deeper and deeper into the Pacific, beyond any hope of rescue. On November 20, 1820, the crew spotted a pod of sperm whales. The chase was on, and the men took to their whaleboats, harpoons at the ready. But as they pursued the whales, the leader of the pod—a massive bull whale—turned on them. The whale then rammed the Essex with a force that defied belief, causing the ship’s hull to crack audibly. The whale then went under the ship and swam off about 100 yards. To the crew’s horror, the whale turned and charged back at full speed, splintering the hull and sending water pouring into the ship.
The crew scrambled into the remaining whaleboats, quickly salvaging what they could before the ship began its journey to the bottom of the sea.
Now adrift in the world’s largest ocean, they faced a choice that would determine their fate. They could sail to the nearby Marquesas Islands or risk a much longer trip to South America. The Marquesas were rumored to be inhabited by cannibals—a fear that proved to be exaggerated but one that carried weight. Ironically, the more pressing threats were starvation and dehydration, which were far more likely to claim their lives on the long journey to South America. Fear of the unknown swayed their decision, and they set their course for South America—a decision that would lead to unimaginable suffering.
Days turned into weeks, and their provisions dwindled. The sun beat down mercilessly, and the nights brought bone-chilling cold. As their situation grew desperate, their fear of death drove them to an unthinkable decision: consuming the bodies of their fallen comrades. Fear of the unknown and fear of the immediate became the driving forces of their choices, but both led them further from safety and hope.
Captain Pollard, once a figure of strength and leadership, became a shadow of his former self. The weight of command and the fear of failure pressed heavily on him. He watched as his crew dwindled, powerless to save them from their fate.
In a final act of desperation, the men drew lots to determine who would be sacrificed to sustain the others. The lot fell to Owen, Pollard’s young cousin. Pollard offered to take his place, but Owen refused. The crew carried out the task, but those who lived were forever scarred by the horror of what they had become.
After more than 90 days at sea, the survivors were finally rescued by passing ships. Out of the original 21 crew members, only eight remained. They were gaunt, hollow-eyed specters, forever marked by their ordeal and their poor decisions that would destroy their souls.
Years later, Captain Pollard sitting alone in his small Nantucket home, stared out at the sun as it dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the quiet town. He stared off to the horizon, his soul haunted by a life-altering decision driven by fear that led him to a lifetime of regret.
Reflecting on the Essex’s Journey and Our Own Spiritual Lives
The story of the Essex is a study of how fear, the lack of God’s guidance, and reliance on human wisdom can lead to ruin in life.
Like Captain Pollard, you too are on a journey in a small boat across a vast sea, trying to make it to a safe port where you will find eternal rest and life. This position often leads us to doubt, panic, or choose poorly. But God, in His infinite mercy, provides us with a map for life—the Bible—and a captain for our journey - the Holy Spirit—to navigate your journey.
The Cost of Fear
The Essex crew’s life-defining decision was swayed by fear, a force that can lead us on to paths we never intended to tread. Scripture reminds us of the destructive power of fear and the need for faith: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). When fear controls the rudder, we lose sight of God’s promises and succumb to despair. The key to overcoming fear is to anchor ourselves in God’s truth and trust His guidance.
God’s Word: The Ultimate Map
Just as the Essex crew needed accurate charts and knowledge to navigate the vast ocean, we, too, need a reliable map to guide our lives. God’s Word is that map—a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It reveals His character, His will, and the way we should go. When we rely on His Word, we can avoid the pitfalls of worldly thinking and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.
The Holy Spirit: Our Faithful Guide
The Holy Spirit is not only our Comforter but also our Guide, leading us into all truth (John 16:13). Without the Spirit’s guidance, even the best map can be misunderstood or misapplied. The Spirit convicts us of sin, directs our steps, and empowers us to live according to God’s will. By yielding to the Spirit, we can move beyond fear and embrace God’s purpose for our lives. Here are some practices you can use to build His guidance into your life.
- Daily Immersion in Scripture: Spend time each day reading and meditating on God’s Word.
- Prayerful Dependence: Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in every decision, big or small.
- Godly Counsel: Surround yourself with wise believers who look to the scriptures and the Spirit to guide their lives. Ask for their input, encouragement, and correction.
- Faith Over Fear: When faced with fear, choose faith—believe that God is for you and will lead you through.
Choosing the Right Map and Guide
Captain Pollard’s story is a tragic reminder of what happens when we let fear and human wisdom dictate our course. But it also serves as a call to trust in God’s perfect map and guide. When we rely on His Word and the Holy Spirit, we can navigate life’s challenges with confidence, overcome fear, and find the peace, purpose, and strength that come from walking in His will.
As you reflect on the story of the Essex, may it inspire you to surrender fully to God’s guidance. For in His hands, even the darkest storms can become pathways to growth, healing, and transformation that will lead you home to that port you are sailing towards across the sea.
Suggested Verses for Further Study:
- Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
- Isaiah 41:10 - Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
- Psalm 32:8 - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/John M Lund Photography Inc
He has testified before the U.S. Congress on persecution and has been interviewed or quoted by most of the world’s top media outlets, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the BBC.
He is a three-time author, and his podcast is Faith Under Fire, where he helps Christians deepen and defend their faith.
Jeff is available as a guest speaker.
To learn more, go to the Jeff King Blog.
