The southern and southeastern parts of the United States have seen some major storms lately as have I in many ways in my life. As I have been pondering these things I feel led to write a simple post about the storms that we all go through in our lives. These storms may be literal or figurative but each is traumatic none the less. Yet during these times in our lives we need to remember that our Father God created each of us and knows how fragile we are. Psalm 103:14 says that He remembers that we are just dust and how weak we are. I think these verses are good reminders.
Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.
Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Mark 4:37-39
The Lord is good,
A stronghold in the day of trouble;
And He knows those who trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord,
a tower of refuge to the needy in distress.
You are a refuge from the storm
and a shelter from the heat.
For the oppressive acts of ruthless people
are like a storm beating against a wall,
or like the relentless heat of the desert.
But you silence the roar of foreign nations.
As the shade of a cloud cools relentless heat,
so the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8
I think the take away for me in this is a reminder that it is God who created us and God who sustains us. It is in Him that we should place our trust and complete faith. He knows our needs, our place in life, our situations, and is mindful of how much we can sustain. We should hold onto Isaiah 42:3 and Matthew 12:20 where we are promised that God will not break a bruised reed or quench a smoldering wick. In those verses we can have faith that He knows our weakness and how fragile we are.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Most High and Sovereign God, I pray for all who have been touched by both the literal and figurative storms of life lately. Help us to see Your glorious face in everything and to see Your mighty hand at work for us. Shine Your face upon us and be merciful and gracious to us at all times in our lives. Give us strength and fortify us against these times of trouble and suffering that we must endure. I pray God that You would show us Your hand of provision, blessings, and that You would pour out Your gifts upon us. Lord, bless us and keep us, cause Your glorious face to shine upon us and give us grace and peace. Speak to us Holy Spirit and guide and lead us through each and every season of our lives. We are Your children and we need Your love and strength, Your mercy and grace, Your protection and provision, Your gifts and blessings. Open the eyes of our hearts and help us to see Your face and all that You are doing for us. Work in and around our lives today. It’s in the name of Christ Jesus I pray; AMEN!
This Narrow Path... 