Being still is an act of
faith when “storms” blow your way.
Our normal reaction to
when “storms” come our way is panic, fear, and anxiety. Recall the story in
Matthew 4 that discussed how Jesus and His disciples got on a boat to get
across the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus fell asleep when the winds and waves came
crashing into their boat. Jesus remained asleep during the turbulent storm, but
remember how the disciples got panic-stricken and their hysteria awoke the
sleeping Jesus. What did Jesus do? He calmly commanded the wind and the waves
to,” Be quiet and still.” Was this account a lesson that we can gain further
from? Yes, Jesus wants us to remain calm until our “storm” passes by trusting
Him completely-even when or even if__________________ (you fill in the blank). I
believe the lesson for the disciples that day on the boat was Jesus teaching
them to trust Him. Trusting Jesus when our lives and circumstances seem out of
control takes discipline. The first few “storms” of life you very likely will
react in fear or panic, but if you been through a few “storms” in life, you
know Jesus is going to come through. You may not know how or when He will come
through, but you have been through enough “storms” to know that reacting in
worry, anxiety, and panic and fear NEVER, EVER work! You can testify, “been
there, done that, ain’t going back!”
The “storms” we encounter
in life can be likened to a tornado (which is a mix of problems all at once), a
category 5 hurricane (this is major stuff like prodigal children, death, life
threatening illness), flooding (the same problems that seem to go on and on),
and thunderstorms (minor issues like sickness, stress-related work issues).
A very severe storm
rolled through my town a few days ago bringing high winds, heavy rain, lightening
and tornadoes. This storm lasted all day, but eventually this storm that seemed
to never end eventually passed and the sun soon followed behind this massive
storm. During this storm I took shelter, prayed, and waited the storm out. The “storms”
in our lives will pass by quicker if we remain calm, and wait on the Lord to
come to our rescue. Maybe you have a “storm” in your life that keeps coming
back or one that does not leave. I understand I live with a “storm” that goes
away but seems to come back. There can be peace in the midst of the storm. Take
for instance paraplegic Joni Earkeson Tada who has been paralyzed from the
shoulders down for 50 years, and yet it would appear her “storm” never left
her. But what if she learned to “dance in the rain” Jesus does say we can have
joy despite our deepest troubles, but I am also convinced that Jesus gives us
times when He removes the “storms” even if it is just in our minds. In other
words, the “storm” may still be physically present in your life but Jesus can
give you moments where you don’t think about your “storm.”
Reflect and ponder: What is your typical reaction when the “storms”
of life come your way? Fear, worry, doubt, anxiety, or panic? What do you
believe Jesus would like you to do when “storms” come or even stay a while?
Counselor’s Corner:
How to remain
still during the “storms” of life:
Definition of still: not moving; deep silence
and calm.
1. Remain still means not rehearsing, replaying,
or rehashing your “storms” to every person you come in contact with. There is
power in your words, learn to speak to your “mountains” instead about them-this
releases our faith. God is moved when we react in faith. The more we talk about
our problems the bigger they get. What we magnify whether good or bad is where
our level of faith will stay at. Say to your mountain (your problem), “Be
removed and cast into the sea.” (Matthew 21:21), believing in faith without
doubting that your “storm” must move on.
2. When any severe weather comes, usually we take
shelter. We should do the same when “storms” of life come, run to our protector
immediately! Ask for Abba Father’s protection and that He would cause your “storm”
to dissipate. Ask the Lord to strengthen your spirit during the “storms,” and
to work out for your good your “storm.”
3. Worship. Give thanks. Praise. Offer a sacrifice
of praise and thanksgiving during and even after your “storm.” CHOOSE to
magnify your blessings daily by either saying them verbally or writing them
out.
4. Speak the Word of God over your circumstances.
Even if you have been praying for over a decade for a situation that seems insurmountable-press
in and keep speaking the promises of God into those ‘dead, dry bones.” The
prayers of the faithful go on and on even in eternity.
Don’t try and figure
out how you can stop, change or move your “storm.” If a tornado was fast approaching
your house would you run outside and try and stop that tornado? Of course not! This also applies to the “storms”
in our lives, some of our “storms” can only be stopped, changed or moved by
Jesus. Our job is not to stop our “storm,” but to run to The Shelter and ask
Him for peace in the “storm”, to rescue us, and then we are to wait calmly for
His rebuke to our “storm.”
JESUS CAN CALM YOUR
STORM. PEACE, BE STILL and KNOW THAT HE IS GOD. GOD IS OVER EVERYTHING, EVEN THE
RAGING STORMS.
MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES:
Be still
and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
·
Remember the definition for still means not moved; deep silence and CALM.
He calms the storm, so that the waves
are still.
Then they are glad because they are
quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven.
Psalm 107: 29-30
Truly my soul waits quietly for God; From Him comes my salvation.
He is my rock and my salvation; He is
my defense;
I
shall not be greatly moved.
Psalm 62:1-2
