Are you in the midst of one of life's storms? Loss of a loved one. Troubled marriage. Child gone wild. Betrayed. Depressed. Life in this world sends storms. If you live long enough, you will go through at least one or two. If you try to navigate the storm on your own, your ship will break apart. Even if you survive it, you will never be whole. Never be complete.
If you turn to God to help you in the storm, you'll find Him waiting with a strong extended hand to lift you up out of the angry waves. You'll find the strength to endure it, for He will lend you His. You'll find comfort, for He'll wrap you in his arms. You'll find a friend that understands completely.
"How do I do that?", you say. Get a Bible, get alone and read and pray. The Psalms are a great resource. And a concordance can guide you to verses that speak to your plight. But it is in how you read where the help lies. Take just one or two verses at a time. Read them. Pray about them. Be honest and don't be afraid. Then read them again. Listen and be still. Let God's Holy Spirit have a chance to speak to your heart. Confess any sin on your part that He points out. Thank Him and praise Him for any comfort you receive. Ask Him for clarification and direction. Don't be afraid to question Him. Honesty is key, as He already knows the truth of your thoughts, intentions, pain, hopes, etc.
Go to Him often. Even when you hurt too much to word a prayer. Just go to Him and be still and let your heart speak for you. The Holy Spirit will pray for you. And don't give up! Keep at it, even if it takes weeks or month's for the storm to subside.
Along the way, keep you eyes open for changes, for answers to your prayers. Never neglect to thank Him and praise Him for even the "smallest" answer. You'll find yourself growing and changing. Becoming a salted seaman.
When the storm is over, whether it ends the way you imagined or not, you'll find a peace and know a way to proceed. Don't keep it to yourself. Share it. There are others experiencing a storm who need an Anchor that will hold.
At some point down the road, you'll look back on your time in the storm. With a twist on Dickens, you'll realize "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Because, you'll find you cherish that close, personal relationship you had with the Lord. It will stand out like a bright beacon in your mind's eye and be a treasured memory of your heart. The God of the Universe took the time and care to hold you in His hand! Even though you'd never choose to go through that storm again, it will be a treasured, sweet memory in your soul.
The closest thing I could find to Bro. Eric's version
Thank you! I needed reminding.
ReplyDeleteWe all do! That's why testifying and sharing our experiences in the Lord is so important. Reminding ourselves and others of our history with the Lord gives us the strength for the next squall that comes our way.
DeleteThank you, I needed this, this morning.
ReplyDeleteOffering up a prayer for you.
DeleteIf we are just still, we will hear Him even when we are without words.
ReplyDeleteNot familiar with the song, but then, we don't do hymns at our church.
Very true, Alex. I can't imagine church without hymns. Hearing and singing the songs is so much a part of how I worship our Lord.
DeleteWhat you say is very true. There are times in my life where I don't think I'd have made it through successfully and be where I am now without God's help. We are too small and weak to overcome some ordeals.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't familiar with this song, but it's a good one.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Glad you enjoyed it. We need Him all the time, but so often when a storm comes, like Peter, we focus on the angry waves instead of our God. We all need a reminder now and again that is the time we need to focus upon Him above all else more than ever.
Delete"Listen and be still..." Four simple words that carry so much impact. Thanks for such a lovely reminder!
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Diedre! All too often we rush through prayer or devotionals without taking the time to listen for His answers and His guidance.
DeleteReading this, I almost believe it's all possible. Usually the doubt starts to creep back for me before the thought that gave me hope is even fully blossomed. Thank you. This post has made me smile. :O)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad, LuAnn! We all feel hopeless from time to time. But if we take whatever small seed of faith we can muster and go to Him and tell Him we feel that way, He is good to send us some hope in a form we can hold onto. Sometimes to get through an hour, sometimes a day, sometimes a season.
DeleteI remember listening to that song years ago. I loved it. Such comforting words!
ReplyDeleteYes, comforting and a powerful reminder of what God has already done for us!
DeleteThat is such a beautiful song! Praying and reading the Bible always brings me peace in the midst of stormy trials. I like to remind myself of God's words in James 1, that God is using these trials to bring patience and wisdom into my life.
ReplyDeleteThat is always true, Elizabeth! Though sometimes the storms can be so rough that we have a hard time seeing to that end. Or even caring for that outcome.
Delete