Getting Through the Storm
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalm 108:28-30
I think everyone experiences storms in their lives, such as the loss of a job, illnesses, addictions, family difficulties, and many others. God helps us in our troubles, but how do we manage day-to-day while we are passing through the storm with the peace God wants us to have? We pray for strength and endurance and we follow the Lord, but the storm is difficult emotionally and the end is not in sight. The Spirit is willing but the human side of us is like Jesus in the garden before he was arrested and crucified. My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me (Matthew 26:38). The storms in our lives may cause us to feel the same as Jesus, deeply grieved to the point of death.
These times are great tests for us, to seek the Lord with all of our hearts and to pray for his comfort. The Lord is close to those that are going through a storm, if they seek him. Each day may be difficult to endure, with an ending that seems months, years or a lifetime away. The apostle Paul lived in a storm the entire time he served the Lord. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Paul also spent many years in prison for his belief in Christ, and was martyred in his late sixties by Nero.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12-13). Paul endured a life-long storm and during the storm he learned to be content in any and every circumstance. How could Paul be content in all these extreme difficulties?
Paul sought the Lord for comfort and strength, and the Lord was close to Paul, especially since Paul was suffering for Christ. The presence of the Lord and his love provide an unbelievable feeling of comfort and security that wipes away whatever is happening in the world. Love is the power of God, so we pray to feel his love in our souls. This is how we get through each day of the storm, with God’s strength and endurance. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40: 28-31). To endure the storm seek the Lord and live as his servant, giving him control, and he will strengthen you each day.
Today be confident that whatever storm you are presently enduring, or any storm that is in the future, the Lord will be with you every step with his perfect love and divine power. Trust that the Lord will guide you through the storm. Whenever you trust the Lord and seek him in your storms, he promises you victory.
Let’s Pray: Lord, guide me through life as your servant, and give me your divine strength and endurance through the Holy Spirit. I know that you will be with me and that you go before me. Help me to do my part by walking in obedience to the Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen