PEACE in the Midst of our Storms

“In our lives there is bound to come some pain,

surely as there are storms and falling rain; just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun.” - Author Unknown

Today I’ve been thinking about all of the crazy weather and disasters that we have had in our world this year. I was reminded how life has its bad weather, too. Many of my friends and loved ones are experiencing storms in their lives right now. The storms of life can force us to deal with many emotions such as worry, fear and despair. Our lives can even be changed forever.

When we have bad weather in our lives, we need to remember that faith alone is not enough.  We need to be rooted in the promises and principles of God’s word, but  only God can carry us through the storms.

Worry ... can also mean troubled, anxious, and concerned. Anxiety is human, but our faith needs to remain strong. When we are worried it is easy to doubt God’s plan - we need to turn our worries over to the Lord. Do you sometimes think God is unaware of the storms in your life, or that He is unconcerned? Psalm 121 reminds us that He will not slumber or sleep. He will keep us from all harm. He watches over our coming and going, now and forever.

“Cast all your anxiety on God because he cares for you.”
- 1 Peter 5:7

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.”

– Isaiah 40:29

Fear ... can also mean terror, dread, and panic. The unknown is scary but we need to remember that sometimes God calms the storms ... and other times He stills the winds. He is always in control!

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!”

then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”

- Mark 4:39

“And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.”

- Matthew 14:32

It’s okay to be afraid, but when fear overwhelms us, we can rest confidently in God’s promises...

“I am holding you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God.

And I say to you, 'Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.”

- Isaiah 41:13

Despair ... can also mean anguish, hopelessness and misery. We may question why the Lord is causing us to go through storms or deal with certain things.  If Jesus has power over heaven and earth, we can rest assured that He also knows all about our storms, stands with us through them, and is in control of our lives. Our comfort and HOPE can be found in His promises...

“When you go through deep waters and great trouble,

I will be with you.” - Isaiah 43:2

“Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have,

for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” - Hebrews 10:23

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed.

We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.” - 2 Corinthians 4:8

Change ... can also mean to adjust, alter, or transform. Sometimes God doesn't remove the storms in our life but uses them to strengthen our faith or improve our lives. And other times, the storm is devastating and changes our life forever.  I know all of us will experience stormy weather sometime in our lives, but Jesus promises that He will be with us no matter what, even when unthinkable, unexpected things happen.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;

he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.”

- Psalm 34:18

“He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me

as I walked along – Psalm 40:2

It’s easy to be at peace and filled with hope and joy, when life is going well, but not so easy in the midst of life’s storms. Time and time again, the Bible tells us stories of storms in the lives of Christ’s followers.

MY PRAYER ... if God doesn’t remove our storms, may He glorify Himself through us as we become a powerful witness to those around us in the midst of the storm.

Rest in His Peace, Donna Weaver

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world. “ - John 16:33