storms of life Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Daily Thoughts about God

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Mark 4:39 (ERV )

After ministering to the multitudes, Jesus told his disciples to get into the boat in order to get to the other side. Immediately upon entering the boat, Jesus goes to sleep and a storm arises. The wind and the waves begin to beat upon the ship. Of course this does not startle Jesus, but the disciples begin to panic.

As I look back over these verses, I can’t help but think that the Lord will often allow us to go through challenging situations just to show us what is on the inside of us. Sure, we may be walking with Him daily, reading our Bibles, fasting, and praying, but what is our response in the midst of the storm? Are we calm and confident of the Lord’s protection or are we frightened and unsettled like the disciples? When Jesus arose He spoke peace to the storm. He also rebuked his followers for being fearful and having no faith.

How is it that we have no faith when the Lord is present in our situation? That is a question that we must answer for ourselves. Through experience I have learned that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us. The problem arises because we cannot see Him working. Think about it. Jesus was present but they did not see Him actively working in their situation. We must come to know that wherever Jesus is at rest, there will be peace. If He is not bothered by what is going on then we need to follow His lead. If He truly lives on the inside of you, you possess the same power; you too can speak peace to your storm.

I speak peace to the storms that are raging in your life today. Be at peace and trust His promises to you. God is not slack concerning His promises. Make it a point to rest in His love for you.

Father thank you for the covenant of peace you have given us. I pray that you will continue to surround us with your loving-kindness; may we drink in your goodness as you keep us in your arms of protection. In Jesus name Amen

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission
Excerpt from Be Attitudes: Devotional Journey to a Healthier and Happier You:
August 2013

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“Hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?” Job 38:22b-23 (KJV)

I rarely read the King James Version but, as I read one of my devotionals, these verses caught my attention. The treasures of the hail hit me – right between the eyes. This is what I saw.

Okay. Here’s a thought. When you were little and frightened by a thunderstorm, did you ever run to your dad or mom and crawl up in his or her lap, wanting to be comforted with hugs? Just the nearness of the one who loved you sufficed, right?

So, what is my hail? What stormy circumstances pummel me with pellets of heartache? What is my treasure in all this? Where do I go in my tears? To the Father! To the One I know who loves me and longs for me to crawl up in His lap.

Sometimes, we see these trials as black cloud-shapes of the enemy, but not every black cloud contains an enemy. What if those times of trouble could be used against the enemy, for that day of battle? Can I use those situations for God’s glory by not complaining, by being thankful and praising God, and by seeking God’s presence and His will?

Do we realize those dark clouds threatening to overtake us announce His arrival and conceal His presence? F. B. Meyer wrote, “A storm is only the outskirts of His robe—the symptom of His advent and the environment of His presence.” As the hem of His garment. Stirring up the atmosphere. But His presence is in the cloud. His peace awaits us in the midst of the cloud. In the eye of the storm.

The Father’s nearness is our treasure hiding in the dark clouds. Where did David say God hid? “He made darkness His hiding place.” Psalm. 18:11 (NASB)

“Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the dark chariots of bright grace.” ~Charles Spurgeon

If God hides in the clouds, don’t the riches, the blessings, of His presence await us there? In the eye of the storm awaits the treasures of His guidance, His peace, His words of comfort, the riches of His glory. And more. Do we seek all He has for us in these times?

“Do not be afraid to enter the cloud that is settling down on your life – God is in it. The other side is radiant with His glory.” ~Unknown

Do not allow the clouds and hail of your circumstances to cause the darkness of heartache and discouragement to hover over you. Draw near to God in the dark cloud…and find His treasures awaiting you.

“Under the shrouding curtain of His pavilion, you will find God awaiting you.” ~ Unknown

Remember, when a dark, rumbling cloud looms over your life, it is the advent of His presence. Trust Him. Continue your service to Him. Wait it out, rest in His presence, and things will be better on the other side.

You are never without hope, for He will never leave you lacking the assurance of His presence. He will see you through the hail and the storm.

Praise Him Who rides the clouds over your life, Who meets you in the eye of the storm, in the midst of the pellets of hail, and says, “Peace. Peace, be still!”

What is your hail circumstance? Where does it send you? What is your treasure?

By Lynn Mosher