How to Overcome Storms of Life: 10 Insights
Not long ago, we awakened to a world encased in a silver sheen of ice. Crystal droplets, frozen in time, hung from the railing of the deck like daggers waiting to fall. The wind howled, and frozen shards flew from the jostled branches of the poplar tree. The scene prompted me to think about how to overcome storms of life.
How to Overcome Storms of Life
The storm raged all day. When I came home from getting groceries in the evening, our daughter, Bekah, was outside attempting to feed our three pet beagles.
Our beagles are hunting dogs, and they are happiest living in a well-insulated kennel in the backyard; however, we don’t always love trekking into the weather to care for them.
“It’s really windy,” Bekah proclaimed as she trudged across the icy yard with a jug of warm water.
“Do you want me to help you?” I asked.
“Yes. Thanks, Mom,” she said.
Together, we braved the gusty winds and took care of our animals. I was happy to help my girl and comfort her just by being with her.
Later in the evening, I reflected on the storm and my time with Bekah.
Just as I stayed close to Bekah in the storm, Jesus wants us to remember that he’s with us in every storm we face. Storms in life are tough times—times of illness, sadness, fear, death, worries, and suffering. You’ve probably lived through a few storms in your life.
With a simple command to “be still,” Jesus can calm any storm. Sometimes Jesus calms our storms. At other times, he is like the parent who sticks close and helps his child endure the storm—kind of like I helped Bekah take care of our chores.
The next time you face a storm, remember that Jesus is right beside you. You can trust that he is close to you, and he is in control.
The next time you face a storm, remember that Jesus is right beside you. You can trust that he is close to you, and he is in control. #stormsinlife #Jesus Share on X
How to Overcome Storms of Life: Practical Insights for Leaning on Jesus
Let’s look at ten practical ways to turn to Jesus in life’s storms.
1. Spend time in God’s Word daily.
The Psalms offer great comfort for storms. Consider reading one Psalm per day the next time you face a storm.
2. Keep worshiping God.
Keep a worship playlist going while you drive or work.
You might feel tempted to neglect corporate worship with others as you navigate this storm. If possible, try to stay plugged into your local church. Keep worshiping with others. This can unleash your faith and give you strength.
3. Spend time with encouraging people who will point you to Jesus and give you hope.
We were not meant to navigate life’s storms alone. One of the most powerful secrets for overcoming the storms of life is finding support from other people.
4. Make time for life-giving activities.
We often neglect our hobbies and passions in difficult times. More than ever, you need time to decompress during life’s storms.
Carve out time to pursue your passions and hobbies. Make time to take walks outside, create with your hands, or pursue your favorite activities. These creative diversions are essential for calming your limbic system and overcoming the storms of life.
5. Take care of your body.
As much as you can, aim to eat well, drink plenty of water, keep your body moving, and rest well.
6. Ask other people to pray for you.
These prayers can help you overcome the spiritual battles surrounding you.
7. Keep talking to Jesus.
He is with you. Talk to him all day. Ask for his help. He wants to carry you through this storm.
8. Find refuge in the shadow of the Lord’s wings.
Imagine a baby bird curled up in the shelter of its mother’s wings. There is no fear in this place.
Psalm 57:1 reads, “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by.”
Every time you feel battered by the storms of life, imagine the Lord’s arms holding you. I often lie on my bed and imagine Jesus holding me. This can give you strength, comfort, and courage.
Remind yourself that he is your hiding place. Ask him to care for you and comfort you. He wants to be your source of comfort.
9. Watch for God’s movement in your life.
Psalm 36:7 reads, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.”
Ask God to help you become more aware of his movement in your life. Instead of looking only at the storm surrounding you, look to the Lord. Watch for what he is doing. He is with you. He won’t abandon you in this storm.
When life is tough, I often take a few moments before falling asleep at night to reflect on the ways God was working throughout the day. I reflect on the entire day, from the moment I arose from bed until the end of the day. Often, during these times, God shows me where he was working. These moments encourage me and remind me that God is with me in every storm.
10. Soak in the truth about God’s love for you.
Overcoming the storms of life begins by recognizing that God is always good, and his love for us is unending. Resist the urge to take offense or believe that God does not love you. Instead, soak in the truth about God’s love for you daily.
You are the apple of God’s eye. You are his beloved child and his precious possession. He is a good Father, and he wants to care for you as you navigate this storm.
7 Bible Verses About How to Overcome Storms of Life
Let’s look at seven Bible verses about how to overcome storms of life.
1. John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
For years, I felt surprised every time life became difficult. Finally, I realized that trouble is to be expected. Jesus promised trouble. But he also promised his peace.
Are you facing a storm? Don’t be surprised. Also, remind yourself that Jesus has not left your side.
No matter what your storm looks like, Jesus is with you in the boat. He won’t leave you (Deut. 31:6). Lean into him and ask him to strengthen you. Keep your heart open to him. Keep seeking him. He won’t waste this storm.
2. Isaiah 42:6
“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you”
God hasn’t left us to navigate life’s storms on our own.
When you don’t know which way to turn, cling to the promise in Isaiah 42:6.
God is with you in this storm, and he will protect you as he takes hold of your hand. Cry out to him and trust that he will never take his eye off you.
3. Psalm 16:8
“I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Stormy seas in life threaten to shake us to the core. By learning to set the Lord always before us—and keeping our eyes on him—we need not be shaken.
What might it look like to set the Lord always before you?
For me, this looks like training myself to turn to God first when crises strike. By practicing turning toward him, I find peace and stability.
Before I return potentially stressful phone calls, I ask God for help and grace.
When my kids create storms of emotional upheaval in our home, I try to turn to God before entering into the chaos with my own raging emotions.
When tragedy strikes, I try to remember to run to God first, before calling my best friends or swooping in to save the day.
Learn to turn to God first, and he will help you navigate every storm with his grace.
4. James 1:12
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
God has promised “the crown of life” to those who love him. Keep pressing through the storm you are facing. God has rewards stored up for you.
At times, God rewards us with temporal rewards in this life. For example, times of sickness increase our gratitude for good health. Times of financial stress help us become more thankful for seasons of stability.
God also promises eternal rewards for those who remain steadfast. We will receive these rewards one day in heaven.
5. Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
We find this truth in Paul’s letter to the Roman church. We all face storms in this life; yet a day will come when the storms will pass, and we will be with God in glory.
If you feel like you cannot take another moment of the storm you’re facing, remember that this world is not your final resting place. One day, this storm will pass, and God will wipe away every tear.
6. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Never forget that God can use your storm for good.
God uses difficulties to shape us into the image of Jesus. As we grow in maturity, we are better able to share God’s love and compassion with others. We also develop resilience and perseverance.
7. Romans 5:3
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.”
I’ve been a runner since I was four years old. Early in life, I learned that the pain of training vigorously leads to growth and increased endurance.
This principle is true in life, too.
Like athletes pushing through pain in preparation for the big game or event, pain builds endurance. Your storms are helping you grow stronger. God will use this storm to give you endurance for the calling awaiting you. Stand on this truth when you need encouragement on how to overcome storms of life.
It has often been said that the storms of today prepare us for the calling of tomorrow.
A Prayer for the Storms You Are Facing
Let’s conclude with a prayer today:
Jesus, we don’t always understand why you allow us to walk through storms, and sometimes, we have difficulty sensing your presence with us. Help us trust that you are with us, even when it’s hard to tell you are there. Thank you for loving us so much that you promise never to leave us. Amen.
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