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Lately we have been receiving many requests from people who are facing difficult situations in life. The challenges are diverse and the pain real. From the young girl who can’t seem to get past her past (can’t forgive herself or others), to the young man who is watching his family deteriorate, there are many people who are trying to make sense of life and find solace in their faith. 
The questions that seem to come, “Where is God in the midst of my storm?” and, “Why are bad things happening?”
As I was praying this morning I felt that there were many people struggling with these two issues and I wanted to see if we could find some answers. Today, I am going to address the first question. I will send out something about the second early next week. (to sign-up to receive these emails, click here.)
With great confidence I can begin by telling you that God is right there next to you even if the storm is raging and you can’t sense His presence. He promised that He would never leave or forsake you. The key is to figure out how to get your eyes off of the storm, and on the One who can help you calm it.
Do you remember the story in scripture where Jesus came walking on the water? (Read Matthew 14:22-32; amazing story) The disciples in the boat were terrified of both the storm and this figure they saw coming towards them. Understandably so. I am sure I would be unsettled as well. So would you.
However, in the midst of their confusion and fear, Jesus
spoke revealing himself and telling them there was no reason to be afraid. We don’t know how the others in the boat responded, but Peter; bold, courageous, impetuous, and dangerous Peter; decided he wanted to walk out to Jesus.
And, he did…for a while. The storm was raging, but Peter was walking. The water churned beneath Him, but he was so captivated by the One who had given him permission to walk on the water, that he didn’t even notice. At first that is.
After a while, he got a little confident and decided to look around. That is when the circumstances got the best of him. When he took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink.
But, Jesus was right there next to him. The Savior of the World picked him up and put him in the boat.
I know that there are people in life who feel as if the storm is too much for them. Their circumstances are overwhelming and their emotions are telling them there is no hope for improvement and no way they can survive…but that is not the truth. No matter how drastic your situation, God is right there with you, and he will sustain you. But, you have to keep looking at Him. He is the One who can calm your storm. He is the One who can give you hope. And, He is the One who can change any circumstance.
But, how do you do that?
Well, let me just say, it is easier to say than to do. The art of clinging to Christ in challenging times is easy in theory, but difficult in practice.
Although I am reluctant to put something like this into a formula, I do believe that there are some key practices that will help with the transition.
- Speak of God’s faithfulness: In my life, I have found I lean towards negativity.
I like to tell everyone that will listen about my storms. I had to make a conscious decision to speak things that encourage me and remind me that I am not alone. Often when I am praying, I will tell God that I trust Him. That He is good.
That He is faithful. I don’t do this for His edification, but for mine. It gives me courage and hope, because I know that God is on my side.
- Read the Bible: You knew I was going to say this didn’t you? I know…it sounds so basic. So “Sunday School”, but it is true. It is more than a book; there is a supernatural component that affects my situations, my emotions, and my perspectives. When I am read the Bible daily, I worry less and believe more. I am more aware of God’s presence, and feel more connected to His goodness. For me, this has become a key component as I have navigated through dangerous storms in my life.
- Worship: Again, a simple answer, but music sticks in my head. And, when I have an anthem declaring God’s faithfulness ringing in my head, I have more faith and fear less. Worship music helps me to focus on Christ and all that He is. It is an effective tool and a necessary weapon as you walk through the waves of challenge.
There are many other things that we could discuss here, but for the sake of making this readable, we are going to stop here. You may think that my answers are simplistic, but I think you will discover them to be keys to staring past the storm until you discover Jesus standing there with arms outstretched. If you apply these three simple principles to your life in increasing measure, I can guarantee that you will begin to find hope. You will discover peace. And, you will gain courage to keep moving forward.
It will work…what have you got to lose.
What about you? Are you ready to give it a try? Here is a simple prayer to help you get started:
" Lord, I thank you that you have never left me and you refuse to forsake me. Even when I feel far from you, you are very near and you are very real. God, as I walk through this life, I pray that you would make me incredibly aware of your presence even when times are tough. Would you convince me of your faithfulness and teach me to trust you? God, I know that you will never let me be tempted beyond what I can bear, so I choose to cling to you right now. Fill me with hope and surround me with peace. Let your Word have it's effect on my life. God, I surrender to you and ask you to teach me all that you want me to know. It is in the amazing name of Jesus, your perfect son, I pray. Amen." |
Read next article: Why are bad things happening all the time?
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