How do we trust in the Lord not just when things are good, but when the chaos comes. Where do you go to withstand the force of storms? That is where your real trust is!
“But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” (Psalm 131:2)
We were among those hit by the recent storms that swept across the U.S. Midwest to the East Coast. We were without electricity for four days. I wish I could say that in the midst of the storm and its aftermath I was completely calm, but I was just as frustrated, irritated, and stressed as everyone else. I guess the big difference was that unlike some people, I knew where to turn for help and strength and to find a calm that alluded me. My reaction to withstand the force of storms was to start praying and trust in the Lord.
In the midst of storms it may be nearly impossible to keep our cool. Stoicism may never find us when stresses are pounding and tearing at our nerves. It would be great to remain perfectly at peace in the midst of every crisis. Yet while I believe God can and often does give us peace in tough places, I also know that it is important to hold fast to God even when we do not feel at peace, but are troubled and anxious. We must trust in the Lord to pull us through.
It takes even greater faith to hold onto God and trust in the Lord when we have no peace, and a storm is swirling around us. Afflictions can cause endless anxiety and worry creating secondary illnesses in their own right. Some events and situations can leave us with post-traumatic stress, it may not be a full-blown PTSD diagnosis, but anytime we suffer long periods of stress it can take a heavy toll on us.
Perhaps, like me, you would love to be able to always remain perfectly calm in a crisis, but find that peace is often hard to find when the stresses increase. It is so good to know that we can turn to the God in times of trouble, and trust in the Lord and His plan, especially when peace is hard to come by. We can borrow the peace we need from the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus.
Trust in the Lord when the storms of life strike you and your loved ones. Rely upon Him even when the ground beneath you feet is shifting and shaking. We may not be perfect stoics in the storm, our strength may not be enough, but His strength is always enough.
Maybe this message finds you struggling to remain calm in the midst of crisis. Know that you are not alone, many of your your brothers and sisters are also facing challenges. What makes us strong is not how well we cope with trials and tribulations, but who we turn to in our times of crisis. Trust in the Lord and look to Him, call upon His name, and ask for peace in your storm.
Prayer: Dear Lord, storms come into our lives, this is part of living, but we ask You to give us peace and to withstand the force of storms and calm them. Amen.
About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He is grateful for the storms the Lord has brought him through.
How do you cope to withstand the force of storms? Have you considered calling upon the Lord? How do you trust in the Lord differently when times are good versus when the storm hits?
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How do you cope to withstand the force of storms? Have you considered calling upon the Lord? How do you trust in the Lord differently when times are good versus when the storm hits?
Karlton, I hope you and your family are doing okay following those storms. Glad to hear you all are safe. The days following such a thing can have its tensions in many ways. What a season it has been for that area! We live in what’s considered to be part of torndado alley. A few years ago, in the wee hours of the morning, a huge gust of wind slammed the house, the front door began to whistle and the sirens began to sound as the treetops swirled and snapped in the winds. At that moment it was as if I heard God say something like…”I am IN THIS with you…” Long story short, our neighborhood was spared the worst damage, except for downed trees and power lines. The following day as we checked on neighbors, tried to help, etc., were filled with a supernatural strength, peace and grace. BUT as the days wore on, I remembered that though many were spared the worst, there was a type of “tension” that began to accompany those days filled with the constant sounds of chainsaws and heavy equipment.
The human mind is so intricately woven by our Creator, and really only He fully understands what happens to us inside under the stress of life’s storms…whatever form they take. That’s why I know firsthand He is my only answer, refuge and shelter.
We’re in a season right now that feels like a storm, even though outside the sun is shining and the breeze is calm. It hasn’t let up for a couple of years now and in recent days has seemed to escalate. In my heart, I find myself curling up at the feet of Jesus, sometimes praying, sometimes crying, sometimes just still. Ps 131:2 which you mentioned comes strongly into play in those times. Yes, I call out to Him often. I have to. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have Him to throw myself on. One of the greatest cries of my heart is…”Father, please show me what You want me to know about this.” I am so thankful for Him.
It amazes me that God…who is goodness, love and life personnified powerfully loves us and WANTS to be good to us…WANTS to be in relationship with us, WANTS us to call on Him in and out of the storms.
Lord, I agree in prayer asking that You please give each precious one who comes here peace in the storms of life…and in Your mercy, would You arise in each of our “boats” and speak…”peace, be still…” In Jesus’ strong name…Amen.
BeBe, thanks for sharing your thoughts! External events affect us more than we would like to admit. God truly is an anchor in our storms and He has helped me through so many, all types of weather literally and figuratively 🙂
Blessings.
Karlton
Thanks Karlton. Your ability to write is God-given!!
Firstly, I’m very thankful that you’ve come through the storms relatively unscathed, bar some bodily response to it I’m guessing. I pray your body recovers swiftly.
I’m quite emotional in reading your post, as you worded brilliantly what it’s like to go through something terrifying! Sooooooo many stand out sentences & phrases that explained the conflict of emotions during terror! Relying on God & screaming out to him, while terrified in amongst it!! Calm, but with nerves jangling while dealing with the practicalities. That is what I went through when I found my son’s suicide notes on the table after his “final” phone text to me! Pounding the table with my fist & screaming out to God to help us…..the Lord was where I turned 1st, as He led us to victory. We know that our prayers were answered with what our Dr described as “a miracle survival.” There certainly was calm amongst the storm & storm amongst the calm! I praise God for His calming of our storms.
BeBe…..I really related to what you wrote too. Amen…..”He is my only answer, refuge & shelter!” Lotsoluv Kerryn
Kerryn, thank you for your kind words. I’m very glad to hear that God helped you and your son through that crisis. I cannot imagine what that was like. God’s grace and mercies are beyond measure.
Blessings.
Karlton
Karlton,
I agree with Kerryn on your God-given talent. Many of your phrases and sentences touched my heart and lifted me up.
I have had “storms” of fear, of prolonged stress, whirlwinds of emotion thrown about by those closest to me, and of the frustrations that accompany chronic illness. During the worst times, when I thought I couldn’t handle it, I know that God held my hand as He brought me through those times.
Thank you for this post. Beautiful, inspiring, and a reminder that God is always right there when we turn to HIm
Blessings
Laurel, thank you for your kind words 🙂 I’m very glad that God has helped you through your storms 🙂
Blessings.
Karltonm