How do we trust in the Lord not just when things are good, but when the chaos comes. Where do you go to withstand the force of storms? That is where your real trust is!
“But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” (Psalm 131:2)
We were among those hit by the recent storms that swept across the U.S. Midwest to the East Coast. We were without electricity for four days. I wish I could say that in the midst of the storm and its aftermath I was completely calm, but I was just as frustrated, irritated, and stressed as everyone else. I guess the big difference was that unlike some people, I knew where to turn for help and strength and to find a calm that alluded me. My reaction to withstand the force of storms was to start praying and trust in the Lord.
In the midst of storms it may be nearly impossible to keep our cool. Stoicism may never find us when stresses are pounding and tearing at our nerves. It would be great to remain perfectly at peace in the midst of every crisis. Yet while I believe God can and often does give us peace in tough places, I also know that it is important to hold fast to God even when we do not feel at peace, but are troubled and anxious. We must trust in the Lord to pull us through.
It takes even greater faith to hold onto God and trust in the Lord when we have no peace, and a storm is swirling around us. Afflictions can cause endless anxiety and worry creating secondary illnesses in their own right. Some events and situations can leave us with post-traumatic stress, it may not be a full-blown PTSD diagnosis, but anytime we suffer long periods of stress it can take a heavy toll on us.
Perhaps, like me, you would love to be able to always remain perfectly calm in a crisis, but find that peace is often hard to find when the stresses increase. It is so good to know that we can turn to the God in times of trouble, and trust in the Lord and His plan, especially when peace is hard to come by. We can borrow the peace we need from the Prince of Peace, our Lord Jesus.
Trust in the Lord when the storms of life strike you and your loved ones. Rely upon Him even when the ground beneath you feet is shifting and shaking. We may not be perfect stoics in the storm, our strength may not be enough, but His strength is always enough.
Maybe this message finds you struggling to remain calm in the midst of crisis. Know that you are not alone, many of your your brothers and sisters are also facing challenges. What makes us strong is not how well we cope with trials and tribulations, but who we turn to in our times of crisis. Trust in the Lord and look to Him, call upon His name, and ask for peace in your storm.
Prayer: Dear Lord, storms come into our lives, this is part of living, but we ask You to give us peace and to withstand the force of storms and calm them. Amen.
About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He is grateful for the storms the Lord has brought him through.
How do you cope to withstand the force of storms? Have you considered calling upon the Lord? How do you trust in the Lord differently when times are good versus when the storm hits?
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How do you cope to withstand the force of storms? Have you considered calling upon the Lord? How do you trust in the Lord differently when times are good versus when the storm hits?
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