There has been some strange weather patterns all across the country. But then, there has been some storms that have swept over all of our lives the last few years.
And that brought one line in Nahum to mind …
“In whirlwind and storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet.”
(Nahum 1:3, NASB)
Perhaps life has some God-appointed storms in all of our lives. Some were recorded for us on the pages of His Word.
The one thing they have in common is that God was the One in control of each of these life storms.
“But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” (Psalm 115:3, NASB)
They also all have a way of changing the course of our lives and bringing us back to what is important.
“When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice.“
(Deuteronomy 4:30, NASB)
It’s interesting to think the storms of life serve deeper purposes than we oft times realize. We would do anything to avoid pain and difficulties.
Chuck Swindoll makes this observation:
“Two things should comfort us in the midst of daily lightening and thunder and rain and wind. First, these squalls surge across everyone’s horizon … Second, we all need them. God has no other method more effective. The massive blows and shattering blasts (not to mention the little, constant irritations) smooth us, humble us, and compel us to submit to His script and His chosen role for our lives.”
(from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, page 133)
Somehow the big storms, and the little irritations, brought on by God in life serve the purpose of changing us, of growing us up in Christ. The lessons stick and carry us for the rest of our lives.
“God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-ending skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.”
(by William Cowper)
“Your way was in the sea and Your paths in the mighty waters, and Your footprints may not be known. You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.”
(Psalm 77:19, NASB)
Sometimes we don’t see His footprints and leading when we are trying to get out from under life. Not every storm is detrimental, some are for our benefit.
One thing we can be certain of …
When we trust Him in the storm,
He will lead us through and
work His perfect will in our lives.
In her post, For Those Who Have Been Living Small Lately, Jen Avellaneda brings a challenge to be bold in our faith, to be His light in this world which is getting darker. “True light never dies. God’s glory doesn’t fade. Divine power doesn’t dim in light of evil or persecution.†Read her post HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Shashank Sahay on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
I love that poem of Cowper’s. And I love the truth that God is bigger than any storm in our lives and works His will in and through them.
I am amazed at how many times the poem comes to mind.
I will be humming that old hymn with the powerful words as I go to school today.
I’m grateful that we are never left alone in the storms. I need God’s companionship in the hard days as well as the good days. He is the most faithful friend we can have.
It’s so true, Lisa. We need God in the hard and good days equally.
I think storms can remind us that we are not really in control as much as we might like to think and cause us to look to God and remember his power and sovereignty.
Storms surely remind me of little control we actually have. But more so, they remind me of the One who has all of the control, all of the time.
Beautiful piece, Joanne. Love the quote from Swindoll and this, “…the storms of life serve deeper purposes than we oft times realize. We would do anything to avoid pain and difficulties.” I never learn deep spiritual lessons or grow as much spiritually during life’s sunny days. 🙂
Karen, I so agree. The lessons learned on the harder days are deeper and always remembered.
Joanne, what a comfort to know Jesus is not only with us in the storms, but the wind and waves obey His voice. We can know if He does not calm the storm, He will calm us and use it for our good and His glory!
Amen. Storms will come to everyone. We can rest in God when those storms arise. We can rest in Him in good times, too. 🙂
There is something about ‘weather’ right now. I had just done a post on the power of God in the weather, the storms, even those quiet days. I love the poem of Mr. Cowper. Did that come out of “Streams in the Desert?” I love his way with words and his devotional to God.
Linda, I do not know if the poem is also quoted in Streams. I heard it on Insight for Living’s radio program years ago and it is in an old Chuck Swindoll devotional that I have.
Amen. I am counting on it.
I’m thankful that He is always with us, Joanne. And may our hearts turn quickly to Him, may we listen to His voice and obey, so that He can remove the distress coming against us in these days.
The Old children’s song came to mind Joanne where Jesus is the pilot of the boat in the storm. I can’t remember the title 😊
Blessings,
Jennifer
I don’t remember the title but I think one of the lines was something like “With Jesus in the boat, you can smile in the storm.” Funny how those SS children songs stick with us 🙂
You’re so right, Joanne. It’s the storms that have the greatest impact, the hugest lessons, the biggest life changes.
I’m grateful He remains strong and mighty while the winds howl and the earth gives way.
Amen and Amen ðŸ™ðŸ» > “When we trust Him in the storm, He will lead us through and
work His perfect will in our lives.â€
God is the One in control of the storms. A thousand amens, Joanne. This truth—that God is sovereign over trials and crises, large and small—has made such a difference my life. I don’t understand how it works, but to believe it is true is an absolute game changer. Hugs, friend.