"Their hearts are troubled like a wild sea in a raging storm." Jeremiah 49:23
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.
Driving home in the car Sunday night, I was claiming every "Don't fear" verse I could remember and desperately trying to place my trust in God, while my husband took the wheel and my 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. My heart was experiencing the same turmoil as the nature around me.
For me, the only thing worse than a raging storm, is being on a wild sea during a raging storm.
I remember someone else who found themself in this situation and slept through the wild weather 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? Why is your heart so troubled? "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me." John 14:1
Lord, I don't want to be so anxious. 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 home. Thank You for each opportunity that calls me to trust You.
"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
While the storms rage around and about, our hearts can rest in the stillness of knowing that God is in control. Praying the Lord will take my tumultuous, anxious heart and calm the "wild sea" and "raging storm" in me.
"When I think I'm going under, part the waters, Lord
When I feel the waves around me, calm the sea
When I cry for help, oh, hear me, Lord and hold out Your hand
Touch my life still the raging storm in me."
(Part the Water's - Words and Music by Charles Brown)
Until the storms pass...
4 comments:
Whoa, we'd just be completely lost without God - scared to death! :)
Thank you, LORD that all things are dependent on Your power and subject to Your control, You are "God over all." Romans 9:5.
Hugs, Lori - AZ
Joy,
You have a knack for writing what is troubling me today. I also have a very anxious heart this morning. I can see that storm coming. Thank you for John 14:1, I will carry that with me today.
If you have some time, would it be possible to ask for prayer? I need courage to speak to someone I love today. But I need the right words to say so it does not lead to a misunderstanding. Thank you.
That song...Part the Waters...is on the Selah CD that I listen to LOUDLY while at the dentist! I love it!
And boy can I identify with you and claiming all those "Don't fear" verses during the storm!
Last Sunday I started teaching the book of Jonah to my ladies Sunday school class. Remember the terrible storm that God sent when Jonah ran away from Him instead of to Him? Jonah was asleep in the bottom of the ship during that! It reminded me of the story you referenced about Jesus and his disciples in the storm. Except that Jesus had no reason to be afraid....and Jonah did! His storm was aimed directly at him from God. So I guess sometimes it's good for us to be aware of our storms and try to figure out if there's something in our life that is causing them. And of course, as in the case of Job, sometimes it is not because of something we've done wrong.
Our weather men are predicting possible severe storms this afternoon and evening and I have already caught myself looking out the window for those "ominous clouds". ha
Another dentist appointment tomorrow so please pray for my "whitecoat" blood pressure!
God bless you my friend!
Marilyn...in Mississippi
Second time I've read this Scripture today... can't remember who else posted on this. I'm with you regarding being out in a storm. I remember watching the movie "the perfect storm" and thinking that it would have been OK to skip that one. I've lived through several hurricanes. Coastal NC calls for them. One left us without power for a few days while the water rose quickly, ever closer to consuming our little home. Finally, the boats arrived to rescue us. It is, to date, perhaps the most strenuous season of testing I've lived through.
Not just the week of the storm, but the aftermath that followed. Fear was my friend in that season.
I can completely relate with this post, Joy. We all have our triggers, don't we?
peace~elaine
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