Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Safely through the Night

Ominous clouds were approaching. The meteorologist had warned of severe weather all day. My heart beat faster. I'm not a storm girl. I have friends who love to watch them, but I'd rather be in a room without windows.

As I lay awake last night claiming every "Don't fear" verse I could remember and desperately trying to place my trust in God, my husband and son slept. To me that is the ultimate victory and demonstration of faith in God. Sleeping through a storm. Having so much confidence and hope in God that although storm clouds threaten the way, peace is your companion.

I remember someone else who slept through a storm as well. Matthew 8:24 says, "Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping." Jesus was sleeping. The disciples woke Jesus as they were certain they were going to drown. Jesus replies, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"

I'm sure Christ asks that question of me often as I battle my constant enemy of fear. Joy, why are you so afraid?

Lord, I don't want to be. I long to have the trust in You that banishes all fear. Your Word says, "I will make peace flow to her like a river". (Isaiah 66:12) Lord, I want to experience that peace. A peace that isn't boring and dull like a stagnant pond, but like a river. Beth Moore writes that "Few bodies of water are more exciting than rivers! When God used the analogy of a river, He described a peace that can be retained while life twists and turns and rolls over boulders. It means to have security and tranquility while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey."

Thank You Father for bringing me safely through the night. Keep calling me to trust You and give me courage to rest under the shadow of Your Wings.

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."
Psalm 57:1

Is there a reason you need to find rest under the shadow of His wings today? Come join me. The Lord's wing span can accommodate us all.

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3 comments:

Yolanda said...

To Yolanda, that is the beauty part of God...there is room for each one of us. AMAZING!

Great thoughts, Sister!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the reminder to cling to him, and take refuge under His wings, even through the storms i am feeling right now, even though i am so fearful... He is a great God, and compassionate. How can I even compete with that... how can my fears even compete with that... how can my pain compete with that?

I love this blog, dear, everyday it blesses me.
thank you,
Heather

Marilyn in Mississippi said...

Joy....you know I know what you were feeling! I'm just sorry that I was unaware of the storms coming your way so that I could have been praying for you in return for all the times you've prayed for me in similar situations!

Thanks for all your encouragement.
I'm praying for your time "in the sky" when you travel to She Speaks!

God bless you!
Marilyn