I went through a time when my life and soul were in the middle of a storm. Tears obscured my vision as I tried desperately to navigate the raging waters that encircled my heart. I wanted God to take the helm, direct my path, and take me safely into the harbor.

I asked God to part the waters so I could walk through. I longed to step on dry land again where I could feel the security of the earth below me. But as hard as I prayed, I continued to face unending swells that threatened to capsize my life. During that season, I was giving up hope.

Psalm 91:1-2 ESV He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Isaiah 54:11 ESV “O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires.

Sometimes in those moments, there are no eloquent words to say. I was lucky to squeak out a weak whisper of “Help” between the tears falling as hard as the rainstorm. Every time I felt like I could catch my breath, I was pulled under the tempestuous waves with another problem, another situation, another failure. All of my strength was spent trying to get to the surface, to orient myself before being drug down again.

That’s what the Enemy of our souls wants. He wants us to focus on the storm because if we are focused on the storm, or the problem, then we won’t be able to remember the promise and the provision. In my strength, I could keep kicking and fighting the waves, or I could reach out to the life preserver in front of me the whole time…His name is Jesus.

Luke 8:24 ESV And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.

When lightning flashes across the sky and thunder rumbles in the distance, stop and remember that this isn’t the first storm you have ever faced, and it probably won’t be the last. In the most challenging times, the Father’s love can often be felt, for his power is made perfect in our weakness.

The disciples were confused when Jesus slept in the boat during a terrible storm. They all felt like they would drown and perish in the sea. Jesus slept because he knew who his Father was. He knew that he was safely held in God’s capable hands and that nothing could ever snatch him from the protection of that mighty hand. When he needed to, Jesus stood up, rebuked the winds and the waves, spoke peace to the storm, and it ceased.

Nahum 1:3 ESV The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

He will do the same for you. Take heart today, my friends; Jesus is with you in the rain and still reigns. May Christ Jesus sustain you through this challenging season, restore your hope, and be the Peace in your storm.

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I pray the Lord has spoken to you through these five days. I long for you to hold on to the greatest Hope of all…Christ Jesus. No matter what the world tells you, no matter what you see in the news, no matter what it looks like around you, never let go of the One who holds you in the palm of His hand. Hope has a name…His name is Jesus! God bless, Susie