How to Find Joy in the Midst of the Storm

In Houston, we're in the midst of hurricane season which runs from June to November. When a storm grows large enough it’s named by the National Hurricane Center. In the last thirty years, that number has ranged from a low of 4 in 1983 to a high of 28 in 2005. We don't know how many storms will come each year but we know the storms will come. 

The same holds true with the storms of life. Some years there are few while in other s they come non-stop. But one thing is certain, no matter who we are, clouds eventually blow in.  It's easy to be happy when what's happening around us is pleasant. What shows who we are inside is what we're like when trouble comes. How do we find joy in the midst of the storm? 

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Just be still. Know with confidence that God is firmly in control. The sun doesn't fail to shine when clouds are heavy, we simply don’t see it in the moment.  The sun is always in the sky, so too, God is always on the throne. 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”- Psalms 46:10

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Objectively view the situation. Hurricanes are temporary as is the storm we’re going through –no matter how tumultuous. Every day may not be good, but there’s good in every day. Seek it.  

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33

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Yield the outcome to God. Even when it’s difficult to understand His way we can still trust His heart.  As His children, we're assured that whatever we're going through will ultimately be for good.

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.- James 1:2-3

Message for the Journey:

When people look at you do they see a person filled with joy or instead someone weighed down by the troubles of the day? When we allow the storms of life to steal our joy, we minimize the precious gift we've been given. Happiness may come from happenstance but joy comes from the Lord.

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord ! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

Habakkuk 3:17, 18

©Ann Wilds

Don't Forget the Life Preserver

Growing up in Lake Charles, I've spent a lot of time in boats. Being out on the water can be a calming or exhilarating experience, depending on the conditions. I've always loved it. But, occasionally it can become frightening. 

Once we were on a different lake with a friend, when our sunny day suddenly turned stormy. Clouds rushed in. thunder rolled and heavy rains began to fall. As the wind picked up, so did the waves growing to a menacing height for the small vessel we were in. The first thing we did was to put on our life preservers in case the storm became too much for our boat. It was tense and slow going, but in time we made it safely to shore.    

There was another boat caught out on a lake in a sudden storm. In it were Jesus and His disciples. Before boarding, Jesus told them to go to the other side of the lake then he fell asleep. When the storm struck, the disciples were terrified. Fearing that they would all die, they woke him. Instantly, Jesus calmed the storm then asked, "Where is your faith?" Had they remembered who was with them on the boat, they would not have given in to terror.

Are you experiencing an unexpected storm in your life? Perhaps you are facing fearsome waves of financial crisis, sudden illness, or relationship turmoils. Or the waves of your tempest may be an internal crisis of direction knocking you off course.  If so, don't give in to terror that they may swamp your boat. Reach out to Jesus to calm your fears. He is always there beside you. 

Keep your faith in the One who controls all things. We may not know why the storms come, but as His children we can be confident that He will see us safely to the other side.  

Message for the Journey:

Nothing surprises God. Jesus wasn't surprised that a storm came up while He slept on the boat. Your storms don't surprise Him either. With Jesus in the boat, no storm could ever stop them from reaching the other side. Neither can any storm in your life prevent you from reaching the destination God intends to take you to. Never forget who's in your boat- Jesus the ultimate life preserver.