The Storms of Life

The meteorologist tells us for days that a category four hurricane is headed our way. We take note but think, perhaps it will turn and go out to sea. But it doesn't and then we get more serious. Even authorities begin to tell us to prepare and as it turns out, many evacuate to safer places. As I write this, Hurricane Matthew is still wreaking havoc on the eastern coast of the United States.

A young mother sits in the doctors office fearing one of the worst diagnosis, the dreaded word; cancer. The doctor comes in and sits down and confirms her fears. But then the words, “You are not going to die from this but . . . Ahead are months of treatments”. It will be a journey.

In John 16:33 we read, “In the world you will have tribulation (trouble). But take heart; I have overcome the world.” In the verse 32 it says, “ . . .in me (Jesus) you may have peace.” Good and bad happens to all of us, the godly and the ungodly. Christians are not exempt. Matthew 5:45, “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

When your world turns upside down and everything seems to be caving in on you, where do you turn? When conflict, chaos and circumstances come in and inundate your life, do you cower in the corner and pull your hair out or stoically plod ahead in your own strength or do you turn to Jesus? Psalm 61:1-3 says, “  Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” Isaiah 26:4 tells us, “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock.”

As we turn to the Rock which is Jesus, we need to turn to His Word too.

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? And verse 5, “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.”

Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

All week when thinking of an impending hurricane, I have been thinking of the song, Eye of the Storm. Of course, it is mostly speaking to a storm of the soul and Jesus being our anchor. Here are the words to the chorus: In the eye of the storm You remain in control; And 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.” (Ryan Stevenson) (You can listen to the complete song HERE)

I just heard a song by Kari Jobe, Love Came Down. It is a song of

faith and trust in the midst of storms, and remembering all the things God has done for us as individuals because of His Son, Jesus. (You can listen to Love Came Down HERE)

Love Came Down

If my heart is overwhelmed And I cannot hear Your voice
I hold on to what is true Though I cannot see

If the storms of life they come, And the road ahead gets steep
I will lift these hands in faith I will believe

I'll remind myself Of all that You've done
And the life I have Because of Your son

Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours,Lord I'm forever Yours
Mountains high or valley low, I sing out and remind my soul
I am Yours, I am forever Yours

When my heart is filled with hope Every promise comes my way
When I feel Your hands of grace Rest upon me

Staying desperate for You, God, Staying humble at Your feet
I will lift these hands in praise, I will believe

I'll remind myself Of all that You've done
And the life I have Because of Your son

Love came down…

So whether you are facing a hurricane, a cancer diagnosis or any other life storm, you can say along with the songwriter, Kristene DiMarco, in her song, It is Well:

So let go my soul and trust in Him, The waves and wind still know His name.

Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You

Through it all, through it all, It is well.

Through it all, Through it all, My eyes are on You

It is well with me.

(You can listen to this song HERE)