How to Overcome the Storms of Life
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 consider how to overcome the storms of life.
How to Overcome the Storms of Life
The storm raged all day, and 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.
In the same way, 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. 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 last night.
The next time you face a storm, remember that Jesus is right beside you. You can trust that he is close to you and that 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 that he is in control. #stormsinlife #Jesus Click To TweetHow to Overcome the Storms of Life: Practical Insights for Leaning on Jesus
Let’s look at some practical ways to turn to Jesus as we seek him in how to overcome the storms of life:
1. 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.
We begin our journey away from fear when we run to the embrace of our heavenly Father.
He promises to offer refuge in the shelter of his wings. 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.”
2. Embrace God’s tender love in the shadow of his wings.
What do we find in the shelter of God’s wings? We find lovingkindness. Lovingkindness is God’s tender love in action. Flee fear and run to God’s love.
God is on the move in your life. He wants you to see his love in action as it unfolds around you: in the kindness of a stranger or friend, in the beauty of a sunrise, in the gentle whisper of the wind, and perhaps most of all, in the promises of his written Word.
Psalm 36:7 reads, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.”
3. Overcome the storms by standing on your identity.
You are the apple of God’s eye. You are his beloved child and his precious possession.
No evil will befall you outside God’s gaze.
Psalm 17:8 reads, “Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings.”
Find your identity here when the storms of life arise. God’s love will give you strength.
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Does any part of your life feel like a stormy situation right now? How do you feel when you think about the fact that Jesus is right beside you in this storm?
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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