What is happening in our world? Shootings at schools, a marathon bombing and a plant explosion that levels a town. Life-altering events rage all around us and we wonder what’s next. And every day we face our own storms of life. Loss of a loved one, a job, our health or our marriage. A child who rebels against us and all that we’ve tried to teach them. Lies that sever friendships and drive families apart. Secrets that keep us in isolation. Choices that pour fuel on the fires of temptation.
This isn’t the way life is supposed to be.
My heart is heavy as I write this. I have so many friends who are struggling in life’s storms. But there is good news to hold onto. There is hope of new life. Every storm will pass, even if things get worse before they get better.
Even in the swirl of helplessness and hopelessness, we can survive and be stronger on the other side.
Storms will come. We live in a fallen world and we know that at some point a storm will engulf our life and turn it upside down. And sometimes, it’s as if we’re in hurricane season and the storms keep coming one after another. We have to find shelter in the midst of the storm. We have to find the eye of the storm.
Have you seen a satellite picture of a hurricane or typhoon? They call the center of the storm the “eye” because it literally looks like a human eye in the center of the storm. And it’s an eerie place to be. A massive storm of destruction rages on all sides, but in the center, in the “eye” of the storm, the sun shines, the winds are calm, and there is a sense of normalcy. In those moments when the skies clear and the eye passes over, there is peace.
When our storms of life are raging, we must get to and remain in the “eye”.
The “eye” is where truth and courage meet. It’s where we hold onto the Word of God and His promises, no matter what feelings begin to rise up. It’s where we sit with God and allow His Spirit to fill us so His peace can guard our heart and mind.
No, the storm is not over. But yes, we can get through to the other side where there is new life to be created. God is above every storm, even our darkest ones. He will never leave us or forsake us. God has not abandoned us. He is our loving Father, and He will turn all things to good for those who love Him.
My friend, if you are in the midst of a vicious storm, know that you are not alone. The God of Heaven’s Armies is by your side. Call to Him. Believe in Him. Cling to Him even if you can’t hear His voice above the din of the storm. And if you’re not sure what to say, cry out to God with the faithful words in the psalm below, written by someone else who was saved from destruction.
Go to the eye of the storm. The place of peace where truth and courage meet.
Remain there, holding fast to the promises of God. And allow someone into your storm so they can bunker down with you and pray over you. We were meant to weather our storms together.
God loves you, dear sister. He is listening. Trust in Him even if you can’t hear Him. Go to Him. Stay with Him. Walk with Him and you will always be in the eye of the storm.
“I love the LORD, because He hears me; He listens to my prayers. He listens to me every time I call to Him. The danger of death was all around me; the horrors of the grave closed in on me; I was filled with fear and anxiety. Then I called to the LORD, ‘I beg you, LORD, save me!’ The LORD is merciful and good; our God is compassionate. The LORD protects the helpless; when I was in danger, He saved me. Be confident, my heart, because the LORD has been good to me. The LORD saved me from death; He stopped my tears and kept me from defeat. And so I walk in the presence of the LORD in the world of the living.” Psalm 116:1-9
May I pray?
Almighty God, thank You for never leaving us, especially in the dark storms of life. I lift up my dear sisters who are struggling today. Bless them with courage, Father. Fill them with the strength and power of Your Word. Wash away their fears and bring them peace as they seek You and sit with You in the midst of their storms. Show them the most important step: the one that brings them to You. May we all remain with You, the Eye of the Storm. Amen.
Q4U: How can I pray for you today?