Storms of life
After several months of severe drought, a week of stormy weather brought relief–both in cooler temperatures and much needed rain. Grass, trees, flowers, farmers, and most people welcomed the gift. These storms were an answered prayer for rain, but what about those storms of life?
I confess I’m one of those strange people that enjoys sitting on my porch during a storm. As a farm and garden girl, I appreciate the gift of rain on parched earth. My flowers are thirsty! But severe storms are a different breed–I respect the power of nature and seek shelter in dangerous storms.
This storm blasted through our community last week. Powerful thunder, dark clouds, and gusty winds persuaded us inside to wait until the storm passed. We sought refuge in our home.
Where do we find shelter from the storms of life?
The prophet Isaiah reminds us of our protector:
You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. (Isaiah 25:4)
Our Father is dependable in His protection:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)
When our storms of life are caused by people, God is trustworthy:
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise–in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 56:3,10,11)
He is with us when we are afraid:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
When storms of life threaten, what helps you find safety, comfort, and peace? Do you have a reassuring passage of scripture you turn to? A prayer which grants hope? A friend to call?
Thanks for sharing so many encouraging Scriptures to help us ride out the storms of life.
Aren’t we blessed that we have God’s Word with us to bring hope and encouragement during the storms? Thank you for stopping by my blog, Joanna.
Wonderful, encouraging words of Scripture to comfort us in the storms of life! Thank you for sharing, Katherine! 🙂
I’m so glad you visited my blog, Cheryl, and for sharing kind encouragement. May God bless you on your journey.
Storms indeed come in many forms, shapes, sizes, and intensity Ms. Katherine. Keeping God’s word in our hearts helps us prepare for the coming storms in life. Well said, my friend. God’s blessings.
So good to hear from you, my friend. We know about those storms of life, don’t we? But we are also richly blessed by His love and grace. I agree, when we keep His word in our hearts, we know He is with us. Wishing you much joy.
I love to sit on the porch and watch storm clouds roll in too, Katherine. Philippians 4:6-7 offers peace when life storms hit.
Diana, a kindred spirit! I love watching a storm, feeling the cooling breeze, and welcoming the rain. Thank you for sharing Phil 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Alan(Bop) and I have been facing numerous storms for over a year. Yet, we know we are not alone. God is guiding us through each storm. His peace is comforting us through medical issues, two house floods that are totally unrelated, car problems, and more. God never leaves. God holds us in His loving arms and covers us in peace that only He can provide. Thank you for this encouraging message. Have a blessed week. 🙂
Oh my goodness, Melissa! I didn’t realize you’d experienced such trials–storms indeed! Yet you smile and continue to share God’s grace and love with others. Thank you. Prayng for you.
Just as storms, literal or figurative, can bring danger or distress into our lives, whenever storms are depicted in the Bible, they portend danger. There’s a lesson there.
So many lessons in the Bible, Tim. We are blessed by the gift of His Word and that He is patient in continuing to teach us lessons. (Sometimes, I’m a slow learner and need numerous lessons).
Thank you for this article. Storms of life, difficult circumstances are both things we can learn and grow from, even if it means being more aware of danger.
Yes, those lessons are challenging and painful, but we are blessed He is always with us through the storms. Thank you, Virginia.
Thanks for sharing these verses so needed for today. Blessings, Katherine!
I’m grateful you stopped by, Barbara. May God continue to bless you in service to Him.
All good verses to turn to. Another one I like is “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10.
Thank you for sharing Proverbs 18:10 with us, Terri. I love the thought of running to His safety. Peace and blessings!
I always whisper Philippines 4:5-7 during anxious times until God’s peace covers me once again like a warm blanket.
Yes, Candyce, that’s what His love feels like–a warm blanket of love and safety. Thank you for sharing that imagery with us. Blessings!
I am one of those people who thinks storms are exciting, but those severe ones are scary for sure. When the storms of life hit, I usually turn to the Psalms and Psalm 46 is one of my favorites to calm my fears and remind me that God is in charge! thanks for your post and insights, Katherine!
I agree, Kathy, those severe storms are scary. Thank you for sharing Psalm 46. Like you, I find comfort and peace in God’s steadfast faithfulness. Peace and blessings!
I love storms too and we are praying for some to come soon to help our drought and heat here.
I remember Romans 8:28 when the storms of life roll in and take comfort knowing God is always with me in those times.
We’ve been enduring severe drought and heat as well. Some recent storms have brought some relief, although we need more to break the drought cycle. I find comfort in Romans 8:28, too, and in Isaiah 40:31. Wishing you joy and blessings!
Thanks for sharing, Katherine. I’m grateful you and your family are ok. The verses you shared are some of my favorites. I’m so thankful God is my refuge and so much more – my hiding place, Redeemer, Protector, Healer, etc. As I so often say, God is everything worth anything.
I’m so glad you shared your thoughts, Joni. We are so blessed to have our Father’s love, mercy, grace, protection and all those attributes you mention. Thank you!