HOW TO WEATHER THE STORMS OF LIFE
HOW TO WEATHER THE STORMS OF LIFE
How do you handle the storms of life? I ask this question because, lately, Central Florida has received its fair share of afternoon thunderstorms. The climate in Central Florida is described as subtropical. Without getting too technical, we have a rainy season that begins around May and ends in October. The daily thunderstorms are a distraction and hindrance to daily activities, and certainly something to be aware of, given the danger they may pose. Florida is the lightning capital of the world!
Preparation
As I write these words, the rumbling of thunder is increasing while the sky is darkening. In preparation, I step away from my desk to cover the porch furniture and shut the garage door. I want to protect the cushions on the porch furniture, so I cover the furniture. I want to keep the garage dry, so I shut the garage door to keep the rain out.
In some cases, if the weather seems too erratic or wind gusts are too strong, I’ll move the potted plants indoors and close the plantation shutters.
The Storms of Life
Thunderstorms are unpredictable, but so are the storms of life. When a storm hits, we experience heavy rains and flooding, tumultuous winds, deadly lightning, and possibly hail. Storms of this magnitude create dangerous conditions, which is why we receive weather alerts – emergency broadcasts warning us of approaching storms. Upon hearing the broadcasts, we prepare and take cover to protect our families and property from the unpredictable weather.
So why is it that when storms of life hit, we may find ourselves unprepared?
Preparing for Life’s Storms
We are fortunate to have organizations such as the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide information about impending weather. But when life’s storms hit, they are unpredictable and can happen at any moment. Life’s unexpected storms catch us unaware. We do not have the luxury of the NWSO to broadcast the unexpected. The storm hits us unexpectedly and can cause severe damage or hardship in our lives.
I know this firsthand. Over the years, I’ve experienced some rather turbulent storms in my life. Although I rode out the storms (God is good), I wasn’t prepared for the whirlwind of pain and hurt in the aftermath.
Storms of life can be life-changing. One event can change the direction of our journey in an instant. So, how do we prepare for these turbulent events? We build a foundation on God’s Word. How do we sustain life’s storms? We turn to God for protection.
“So they cried out to the Lord in their distress, and God brought them out safe from their desperate circumstances. God quieted the storm to a whisper; the sea’s waves were hushed. So they rejoiced because the waves had calmed down; then God led them to the harbor they were hoping for. Let them thank the Lord for his faithful love and his wondrous works for all people.” Psalm 107:28-31 CEB
When we draw close to God, when we meditate on His Word and His promises, it takes our focus off the turmoil, the pain, and the hurt. His Word provides peace and comfort. We must remain steadfast in His Word.
Steadfast in His Word
Steadfast is to be unwavering, to remain constant. When we are grounded in God’s Word, we remain stable when the storms of life hit. It doesn’t mean the pain is removed or the hurt is gone. It does mean we have hope for the future.
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 ESV
Remaining steadfast in God’s Word gives us the strength to endure. The confidence that this too shall pass, regardless of our circumstances. The pain may persist, or the hurt lingers, but His Word will offer encouragement and hope to persevere.
“This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells],” Hebrews 6:19 AMP
I love these words – this hope we have as an anchor of the soul. Our hope is the anchor of our soul. God’s love will hold us and cover us in trying times. We will experience adversity, but nothing is too big for our God. He is our anchor. So I ask, how do you weather the storms of life? Who do you tether your anchor to in times of trouble?
I must say I agree with you and I like the analogy. I lived in Jacksonville, FL, for a good bit of my life so I know exactly what you mean about the daily thunderstorms that can come up so fast. I, too, have had many storms in my life and have struggled with the aftermath. The thing that gets me through is knowing that I am anchored in Christ. He has been faithful even when I couldn’t see ahead. He has given a peace that I could not make up myself. I know He is trustworthy and full of mercy and love and grace which he gives abundantly.
Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #CoffeeforYourHeart.
Hello Gay! Thank you for sharing. I so agree with your thoughts. God is so good and has carried me through so many trying situations. He is my anchor and I am so grateful! I look forward to connecting!
I have never been here before but so glad I found you! You were neighbor today at #SaltAndLight – This is a wonderful message, Robin! Love it!!
Thank you Meghan! I am glad you stopped by and I hope to connect in the future. I enjoyed your post on creating healthy boundaries. I just commented. I miss those days!
Robin,
This such an encouraging post. We all have our own storms we have to ride out. I have found, like you, that having faith in God helps riding out the storms of life so much easier to do.
Thank you for sharing such an inspirational post filled with wonderful reminders.
Thank you Crystal! The support of family and friends, particularly sisters-in-Christ, certainly help as well. God sends what we need, when we need it most!
Robin, you had me at your graphic! I can so identify with this post analogy because I live where intense thunderstorms pop up with barely a notice, wreak havoc and then disappear, often leaving behind an unexpected mess. I love the encouragement and challenge here to expect, prepare and keep everything in perspective.
Agree Crystal! Just as you shared, the storms pop-up, wreak havoc and then disappear. It’s the unexpected that sometimes catches me off guard. The more time I spend in prayer and studying God’s word, the more grounded I am when the storms hit! Thank you for sharing.
Storms of life can indeed change everything in an instant. I especially loved Psalm 107. I’ll be spending time memorizing that one.
Hello Debbie! Thank you for sharing and visiting my post. Yes, life can change in an instant. Thankful for God’s grace and protection daily!
Robin, I’m so thankful God pulled me into His Word during one of life’s most difficult seasons. He used it to draw me close and trade fear for the secure promise that He will never leave or forsake me. Storms happen but we can weather them with the Lord by our side. God bless you!
Thank you for sharing Deb. I’ve had some difficult seasons in my life. I am blessed that God has covered me and my family in love and comfort in the challenging times. I am so thankful for His love!
Thank you, Robin, for this inspiration and encouragement. Realizing that storms are a part of life and can grow us in ways other things can’t is helpful!
I’m so glad God is always with us during the tough seasons!
Visiting from #DancewithJesus
Thank you for visiting and sharing Julie! His words are such an inspiration to me. I truly savor the words, “Once I was lost but now I am found!” Thankful for His grace and love!
Robin, so happy to find your site! I love the way you make a practical point about storms and then relate it to storms of life. So thankful we can be anchored in Christ when storms arise. Also- reading that Psalm always makes me smile huge because Jesus literally calmed the storm all those years later for the disciples. God is who He says He is, and He always has been and always will be. That’s safety in a storm!
Yes, Bethany! I’m always thankful to be anchored in Christ. It’s important to understand the storms will come so we need to be prepared, anchoring ourselves to Christ. Thank you for commenting!
So beautifully written!
Thank you for sharing and commenting!
I agree, it’s so important to be anchored in God’s truth so that we have something secure to hold us in the midst of the storms. It’s also encouraging to remember that while storms may catch us unaware, they are no surprise to God. Visiting from the #RaRaLinkUp.
Yes Lesley! His truth and promises anchor me, and I am thankful for faithfulness! Thank you for visiting!
Funny I read your post today. I got caught out in a storm taking the dog to the lake. I saw it coming, but I went anyway. I agree we have to anchor to God. I think sometimes we can predict a life storm is on its way and can prepare for it if we don’t ignore it. When I see a difficult season is upon on us, I come up with a plan. The number one priority on that plan is my quiet time with the Lord. I don’t skip it. It makes weathering the storm ok. Thank you for your post and reminding me of the preparation needed for life’s storms.
Thank you for sharing! Yes, storms can appear at any time. What is comforting to me is when I see the storms approaching and I have full confidence knowing He is my protector and comforter!
Robin, thank you for this reminder that our hope is an umbrella in the storms of life. — I’m from FL and remember those days when the rain was a constant in life. So good to see you at the #ChasingCommunity linkup last week. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to stop by to say hello and welcome. I was out of town. Great to connect with you. Hope you’re having a blessed week. ((graces))
Great connecting with you Brenda! Yes, the storms can pop up at any moment. However, the beauty after the storms is breath taking! Just as He promises!