What is your initial reaction when you find yourself in one of life’s storms? Our human mindset probably wont ‘naturally’ break out into praise when faced with difficulties. Even the disciples in Luke 8:24 were in panic mode during a storm. Luke tells us that Jesus was asleep on the boat, and the storm was so severe that they were in great danger. The disciples didn’t break out in praise. Their first action was to go to Jesus.
Regardless of the severity of our storm, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence and He will help us in our time of need.
(Hebrews 4:16 ). He will rescue us from every evil attack and bring us safely to His heavenly Kingdom.
(2 Timothy 4:18)
It helps to have God’s Word stored in our heart, so that in the hard life moments when we are confused and our heart is breaking, we can remember Truth. Every Word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. (Proverbs 30:5) When our soul is weary with sorrow; He will strengthen us according to His Word. (Psalms 119:28)
God’s measureless grace will strengthen us each new day. He will not allow our sorrow to be wasted. He will use us to comfort others who experience similar trials the same way He comforts us. (2 Corinthians 1:4)
When the world feels heavy, He is there surrounding us with His unfailing love. He mends our wounded hearts and consoles the anguish in the depth of our soul.
Knowing that God is with us, surrounding us with His grace and working on our behalf brings peace to our weary hearts. He gives us strength for the journey. Jesus calmed the storm for the disciples, and He will calm the storms that we face as well.
Let’s continue to fill our soul with the Word of God in order to be confident that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
Perhaps you are currently in a storm and are wondering how to apply these truths to your own situation. I highly encourage you to find scripture that speaks to you and meditate on it. Memorize it and apply it to your situation.
For example, one of my favorite go-to verse is Philippians 4:4-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Then I break it down: Rejoice in the Lord always (not sometimes, but always). I will say it again: rejoice (so important that Paul repeated it.) Let your gentleness be evident to all (not a few, not some, but All). The Lord is near. (A promise to cling to). Don’t worry about anything (any thing… no thing) But in EVERYTHING (Not some things), through prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God (His own peace) which surpasses all understanding (we don’t need to know how it works, our human brains cannot understand it) God’s peace will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
To help memorize it, I write my verse on an index card and carry it around with me to remind me to ‘put God’s Word in my heart.’
Another way to combat storms is to avoid feeding into them. Words have life. If we focus on the storm and keep repeating the negativity we are experiencing, our heart will follow our words. Instead, focus on the One who calms the storms. Keep praising Him through the pain. Write down three positive blessings every day and watch how your mindset will shift.
We cannot avoid storms this side of heaven, but we can be assured that the One who calms the storms lives inside our hearts. He is closer than our very breath. This should cause us to break out praise!
Father, God, Thank You for putting a brand new song in my heart. Thank You that You are an active faithful God who lives among us, our Mighty Warrior who saves. The moment we realize we have entered into a storm, You are already there showering us with Your grace and mercy, holding us with Your victorious right hand. I praise You in the storms, knowing that You will lead me safely through. You are sovereign, You know all things and You cause all things to work together for good. Amen.
Additional scripture to store up in your heart:
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”
Psalms 145:3 NIV
“Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.”
2 Samuel 7:28 NIV
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 NIV
“Do not yield to fear, for I am always near. Never turn your gaze from Me, for I am your faithful God. I will infuse you with My strength, and help you in every situation. I will hold you firmly in My victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 TPT
Guest Contributor: Stacey Daley
