The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7
We attentively watched the weather forecast for more than a week. A hurricane formed in the Caribbean, and the weather reports confirmed our fears. Hurricane experts determined the path would take a direct aim at our community. Every hour, we checked for the progress of the storm. Did it slow down? Did the eye of the storm take a turn? Anxiety, prayers, and more prayers.
We followed the track as the storm moved further northeast and veered away from our shoreline. Our prayers for our protection changed to prayers for others in the storm’s new path, and we added prayers of gratitude for our safety.
“O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you? You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.” Psalm 89:8-9
Life often feels like a series of waiting periods, especially when a storm catches us smack in the middle of its path. The dark clouds gather, the winds howl, and the rain seems relentless.
The storm may not be a weather event. It may come in the form of a health diagnosis, a crisis in a relationship, a storm of indecisiveness, or a drought of discernment when we need Christian wisdom the most.
In these moments of anxiety and uncertainty, it can be challenging to see beyond the immediate turmoil. We must wait, watch, and pray. Yet, our faith is tested and refined precisely in these times.
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6
Consider the disciples in the boat with Jesus (Mark 4:35-40). A furious storm arose, and despite being experienced fishermen, they were terrified. They frantically woke Jesus, who was sleeping peacefully, and cried out, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” The storm ceased, and there was a great calm. Then Jesus asked His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Even as Christians, we may not understand the storm. Like the disciples, we may panic. This powerful narrative teaches us several critical lessons about handling the anxiety of waiting for a storm to pass:
1. Recognize God’s Presence: Like the disciples, we may feel alone and afraid during life’s storms. However, Jesus is always with us, even when He seems silent. His presence is our assurance and refuge.
2. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Jesus could calm the storm with just His words. Similarly, no matter how fierce the storm we face, God is in control. He can bring peace and resolution in His perfect timing.
3. Grow in Faith: The storms of life are opportunities for our faith to deepen, even though it is hard to see these storms as opportunities when the wind and rain are battering down the house that shelters your heart. Rather than succumbing to fear and anxiety, we can trust that God is working all things for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28. We may not understand the good that results from our life’s turmoil. Sometimes, the good that results from our storms will be evident to others in the future.
4. Seek Peace through Prayer: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our anxieties to God in prayer. Prayer brings inner peace even during turmoil. When we pray, we sense His peace that surpasses all understanding.
5. Remember Past Deliverances: Reflecting on how God has been faithful in past storms can strengthen our trust in His continued faithfulness. Just as He has delivered us before, He will do so again.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:25-26
He is our anchor in the storm, our peace in the chaos, and our hope in times of uncertainty.
Prayer: Dear Lord, amid life’s storms, help us to trust in Your unfailing love and sovereign power. Grant us Your peace that surpasses all understanding and strengthen our faith as we wait for the storm to pass. Thank You for being our refuge and ever-present help in times of trouble. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May you find solace in His presence and peace in His promises as you navigate life’s storms.
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