When Storms Disrupt Our Lives
Over the course of several days, I got reminded how storms disrupt and upend life. From the tornadoes over the Memorial Day Weekend to the 80 mph storm that blew through North Texas including our neighborhood.
When storms disrupt our lives, it is important to find comfort and strength in the words of the Bible. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calms a storm, demonstrating His power and authority over nature.
Early Wednesday morning I received a text from my lifelong friend George. The day before, he’d shared with me that one of the lineman for the CO-OP George works at had been injured while trying to repair a power line. Wednesday morning’s text (that George had sent late the night before) informed me that Scott (the lineman) had died.
Unexpected storms hit us all.
The Psalms offer words of comfort and assurance:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2 ESV
Turning to prayer and seeking God’s guidance can provide peace and stability during turbulent times. Remember that the Lord is always with you, offering His steadfast love and support.
When Storms Disrupt Our Lives
Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
Matthew 8:26 (NIV)
This passage reminds us that even in the midst of life’s storms, we can trust in the Lord’s power and presence.
This story is a powerful reminder that no matter how turbulent our personal circumstances may seem, Jesus has the power to bring peace and calm to our lives.
Storms, both literal and metaphorical, are inevitable. We experience them in the form of personal trials, health issues, financial struggles, emotional turmoil, and many other ways.
During these times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless. However, this passage encourages us to turn to Jesus in our moments of fear and uncertainty. Just as He calmed the storm for His disciples, He can bring peace to our troubled hearts and minds.
Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus is always with us, even in the most difficult times. His presence provides comfort and assurance that we are not alone. By placing our trust in Him, we can find solace and strength to weather any storm. Remember, it is not the absence of storms that brings peace, but the presence of Jesus within them.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart that seeks Your peace amidst the storms in my life. Just as Jesus calmed the winds and waves, I ask that You calm the fears and anxieties within me. Help me to trust in Your presence and power, knowing that You are always with me. Grant me the strength to endure and the faith to lean on You in times of trouble. In Jesus’ name, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.
What specific storm in your life do you need to bring to Jesus today, and how can you actively seek His peace and guidance in this situation?
Praying for us. Praying for Scott and his family. He lives behind a wife, a 10 year old daughter, and a lot of people who loved him.
You, too, are loved.
Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™
After wearing many different hats throughout his career, Rainer serves as the Senior Operations Manager at OurCalling, Inc., a Dallas-based homeless outreach helping the chronically homeless find a way off the streets and into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Since committing his life to Jesus in 2007, Rainer has had the privilege of teaching and preaching in many different churches in the Dallas area.
Yes, when fear is removed, the healing is complete. Do not fear your sense of fear. It is nothing. We are as safe as omnipotent God. God’s idea absolutely cannot fear; he knows there is just one Divine Mind. Is he going to use that Mind to fear with? Is he living in God and still afraid? Is there anything outside of or beyond God? Is there anything inside God to fear? God made all and proclaimed it good.
Your Friend – His servant,
Isaac Otieno