Peace in the Storm

A friend posted this picture recently and I thought it was beautiful in its majesty and awesomeness. So I saved it thinking I could use it sometime in the future. Then a few days later Word FM played a contemporary Christian song that caught my attention. It is Eye of the Storm, by Ryan Stevenson. When things come together like this, it makes me believe it is for a reason. Hence, my blog for this week!

Life can be pretty scary at times. I have experienced bullying, abandonment, abuse, a cancer diagnosis, and a house fire, among other things. I am sure you have your own list. And as a Christian, I have also known God to be ever-present in my times of need.

This song brings out a few of life's challenges, ie abandonment, lost dreams and expectations, physical ailments and extreme diagnosis' and the affects of sin in the lives of our loved ones. But the chorus tells us:

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm

In Matthew 8:23 we read of Jesus calming a storm: “he awoke and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

Psalm 5:12 says, “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” God blesses those who live for Him and covers us with a shield. The verse before this says, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.” So we need to take refuge in the midst of our storms and even sing for joy! And He will spread His protection over us! This is our anchor referred to in this song.

Hebrews 6:15-19 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. . . So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Near the end of the song, the songwriter pens his version of Psalm 23:

The Lord is my Shepherd
I have all that I need
He lets me rest in green meadows
He leads me beside peaceful streams
He renews my strength
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His Name
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid
For You are close beside me

Hebrews 13:5 Jesus tells us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” You can find these same words in Deuteronomy 31:8; 31:6; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10-13. He is surely close beside me!

Where do we find peace in the storm? “When you receive His faith in your heart you will also receive His peace in your heart. Peace is the inward indicator that He is fully involved on your behalf. Peace is the emotion of faith.” - homefaithprayer.com

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Now may the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. II Thessalonians 3:16

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

If you are going through a hard place, a storm of life, turn to the One who can protect, care and shelter you, JESUS.

You can listen to Eye of the Storm here and also see the lyrics.