Storms and blessings
Last spring and summer, damaging rain and wind storms raged through many regions of our country. Our farm was not exempt.
During a series of storms starting in May and continuing throughout the summer, massive trees fell into our yard and on fences in our horse pastures. The woods surrounding our home are littered with fallen trees, tossed about like giant matchsticks.
We’re still trying to clean up.
We have storms in our lives, too. Unexpected trials beset and overwhelm us and we feel as if we are going to fall from the force of the onslaught.
When calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. Proverbs 1:27
But, we can find safety and refuge from the storms of life. There is One on whom we can call.
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1
God will come to us in the time of our distress. He will protect us during the storm.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:28-30
God is with us through the storm.
He is also with us after the storm as He sends us blessings. After we sustained significant damage from multiple storms this summer, family and neighbors gathered and cleaned our yard of fallen trees and storm debris. They removed trees from our pastures and repaired fences. Many of the fallen trees have been transformed into firewood to warm us through the cold winter.
During and following those storms of life, God sends blessings. Have you experienced the gift of blessings during and after a trial?
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
As we enter the New Year, we know the storms and trials will come, but so will the blessings.
“But, we can find safety and refuge from the storms of life. There is One on whom we can call.” – Thank you for the reminder. The storms of life hit me extremely hard during the last five years. Only by grabbing hold of God did I make it. This verse you shared is one of my favorites. — Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1
Jimmie, Your messages, as posted on your blog in recent years, have reflected those storms in your life, but have also vividly shown us how our Lord brought you through those storms. You’ve been an inspiration for me. Praying for you, that your recent health issues will soon be resolved. Wishing you health and happiness in 2020.
I have learned this lesson myself repeatedly and when the next storms come, I am so thankful I can look to the Bible and my own past to see how God is always with me. That is such a blessing. Thank you for sharing how God has been faithful in your storms.
Jennifer, It’s comforting to know that God has supported you through the storms as well. Sometimes, it seems that the storms might be isolated on our own doorstep, yet other faithful believers are being supported through the trials by their faith. Thank you for your encouragement.
Knowing that God has our backs and seeing His past faithfulness is so very comforting to me in all of life’s storms. Thanks to Him and you for the reminder.
Storms seem to always find us my friend; I think the blessings come when we seek refuge from them in the right place. Our friends, neighbors, and especially family help us through the storm; but the peace within the storm (finding yourself it its eye) is only found in our faith. I pray you and your family always remember to seek Him in every storm. Your friends will be the ones praying you through the storm. God’s blessings to you and “Farmer Bob.” I could not imagine the task of all those trees to clean up. One limb wore me out a few weeks ago.
It’s another cloudy, rainy day here, but you have sent a ray of sunshine, my friend. The inspiration I receive from my faithful friends strengthens me. God uses special people as His messengers. Thank you for your prayers, your friendship, and your faithfulness in living out the message of our Lord Jesus to love one another.
God has sent His blessings during the hard times of my life many times. Problem is, it’s usually in hindsight that I see them. I’d like to start looking for the blessings during the storms.
Thanks for the reminders through His word.
I understand exactly what you mean, my friend. When we’re in the midst of the trials and storms, desperately clinging to a lifeline, it’s tough to see the the blessings. I’m just so thankful that God stays with us through the storms and after!
Psalm 107 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, so I recognized those verses. How comforting. He guides us to our desired haven, which I see at times as His wings. Safe and close. Praying God’s help and 2020 blessings on you and Farmer Bob.
Thank you,Katy. The scripture gives us so much comfort when we are passing through the storms. I love your word picture–God’s wings spread protectively around us or swooping down like an eagle to lift us from the depths of the valley. Thank you for your prayers. We are so grateful.