Storms

Storm: a disturbance of the normal condition of the atmosphere, manifesting itself by winds of unusual force or direction, often accompanied by rain, snow, hail, thunder, and lightning, or flying sand or dust. 

"Conquering the Storm"

Art by Thomas Kinkade

When I started developing my blog the one thing I wanted to accomplish was to gain a connection with the reader. I wanted my site to have an eclectic feel, highlighting many of my interests, while at the same time identifying things in our lives that connects all of us together in a deeper and more meaningful way.

At the end of the day, we all have more in common than not.

We all were born on a specific day and we all will die someday. We all have hopes, dreams, and goals. All of us have experienced joy and we are all well too familiar with disappointment, despair, and heartache. 

We all have seen the mountain top and we all have experienced storms in our lives.

I realized that many people reading this right now are facing difficult circumstances in their lives. Some are even facing the most unbearable of situations and have no clue how and when it's going to end. 

They are just hanging on by a thread.

Many of us are in a storm right now.

During these times most of us feel anxious and fearful. It is during these “storms” we feel the most vulnerable.  God tells us in Phil. 4:6 not to “worry about anything; instead pray for everything…”  Many times when I read that verse I find it very difficult to obey that command. I know in my personal life how difficult it can be not to worry and to continue to believe that things will ultimately work out.    

When it comes to storms I think it is safe to say that we all fall in one of three categories: a storm just ended, we are currently in one, or one is on the way. 

One doesn’t have to look very far to see the devastation that Alabama and Missouri has endured during a summer of unprecedented and unrelenting tornadoes. The loss has been severe and at times unbearable to watch.

The aftermath in Tuscaloosa (2011)

I can't imagine how difficult it must be for everyone involved. Even in our little “community” we can see how a summer or winter storm can disrupt our daily lives.

People helping people in Joplin, Mo. (2011)

One of the lessons to be learned in all of this is that we cannot control the length or the severity of the storm, nor can we control the time or rational behind it. At the end of the day, all we can do is endure it. The good news is that we don’t have to do it alone. “Give your burdens to the Lord and He will take care of you” is what Psalms 55:22 states. God knows each one of us intimately (Matt. 10:30)…we were created by Him, for Him. 

He truly understands our pain.

But with all that being said, how do we get through the storms in our lives? Three guiding principles come to mind… let me share:

    1. Walk in Faith not in Fear.

•  Isaiah 41:10 states…"Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strength you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."  Fear stifles our thinking & creates panic; it creates indecisiveness and hinders our progress. At the end of the day, fear creates doubt. 

    2. There is a Message in midst of the Storm. (Ps. 61 & 62)

• Psalms 62:8 states…"O my people; trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him. For God is our refuge”. There is always something to be learned with every situation… no matter how good or bad it is. God will share His message with you if you ask Him to (Ps. 32:8).

• In the midst of the storm Wait. Don't try to change things, and as hard as it may seem, don't react. Never react, always respond. When we react we don't think... Pray and then you can respond at the right time. Also, while waiting try to limit the amount of time you talk about your circumstance and the number of people you share with. Talking too much about your situation produces anxiety.
• Wait expectantly (Micah 7:7). Trust in Him while waiting (Psalms 118:8). Wait with a steadfast and courageous spirit (Psalms 31:24) and wait only for God..."Be still and know that I am God." -Psalms 46:10

    3. God is Sovereign (Please read Isaiah 50: 4-11)

• "Because the sovereign Lord helps me. I will not be dismayed." - Isaiah 50:7
• His rule is everlasting. Daniel 4:34-35 states "... His rule is everlasting, and His kingdom is eternal. All the people on earth are nothing compared to Him. He has the power to do as He pleases among the angels of heaven and with those who live on earth. No one can stop Him or challenge Him." God is in control.
• We all have a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 confirms to us we have a "future & a hope" and that he has "plans for good and not disaster". 

 

Jesus is with us during the storm...

In closing, there are 1189 chapters in the Bible (929 old/260 new) and 31,173 verses. The “middle” verse in God’s word is Psalms 118:8; "it is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in people.” The shortest chapter in the bible is Psalms 117; "Praise the Lord all you nations, Praise him all you people of the earth. For He loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the lord endures forever.” 

At the “heart” of God’s Word He tells us to “put our trust in Him” and at the very center of His Word He tells us “to praise Him.” No matter where we are in life just “Trust & Praise” Him. God has a specific plan for you and for me; it is “for good and not disaster”. If we remember to give our storms and “our” life to God we will never be alone. God has always wanted to be, and always will be, our refuge in life’s most difficult circumstances. 

He will be with us in our darkest hour.

He will be with us in the storm.

sbb 12.6.11 

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He's Concerned . CeCe Winans