A Cry in the Storm

Sometimes my day can seem wonderful – the perfect day for sailing. The lake is smooth, the wind is calm, and everything sparkles in the sun.

But then seemingly from out of nowhere, the clouds become dark, even menacing. The wind turns fierce, the waves begin to rock my little boat, and my smooth sailing is now anything but smooth.

You know what I mean, right? You receive some disturbing news. Or perhaps  you get a call from your child or grandchild, and your “protective instincts”, (i.e. worry), kick into full gear. Whether its job issues, or difficulties with an important relationship, sometimes it doesn’t seem to take much for a day to unravel.

I have to admit that although I have had a relationship with Jesus for many years, my initial response is not always to turn to Him. I look at the waves that seem so big, and I become afraid.

It feels like what was once manageable is not manageable at all. My sense of control begins to slip, and that is a very uncomfortable feeling. Emotions threaten to overwhelm, and I lose sight of the shore.

That’s when I turn to you, Lord. I cry out for You to save me. I look up from my troubles, my eyes locking with Yours, and suddenly I remember. I remember that You are good. I remember that You are sovereign, and that You will never let me go. I remember that You alone are able to calm my fears and soothe my sorrows. I remember that I am weak but You are strong. That when I feel lost, I don’t need to be found, because you never leave me!

I recall a verse that reminds me of Your love.  Or You bring a song that deeply ministers to my bruised soul, and suddenly I have an anchor for all these spinning emotions—and that anchor is You, Lord.

As I fix my eyes on You, I see that Your eyes are unafraid. You steady me. You know. You know what comes next—You know how all of this ends! You have me. And for a time I am transported above of my situation, and all I can see is You. All I can feel is Your embrace. All I can hear is the steady beat of Your heart.

I hear You say:

Beloved,

Aren’t you tired? Can’t you see how exhausting all this thrashing is making you? Come to Me and find rest. Soul rest. You will never be able to figure all this out, because you can’t see the whole picture. You want to know what happens next, but you simply need to trust Me – I will never leave you or forsake you. Just turn to Me as you walk this path, and I will supply all your needs. Perhaps not the way that you expected, but nevertheless, I will give you what you truly need when you need it. Depend on Me. Lean on Me!

Don’t reach for a way to get out of your situation. Don’t turn to something to numb your pain. No – those ways, though they seem so appealing, only serve as a distraction from the pain. I alone am the cure.

Don’t look backwards—keep your eyes on Me! Stay on the path with an awareness that I am with you. Remember, I will prepare a feast right here, in the presence of your enemies.

Come away my love. Refresh yourself at the well of living water. Relax into My embrace, and find the peace and rest that you so desperately long for. You will never find true solace anywhere else. I am all that you need. Come.

Suggested song: Meredith Andrew’s “You’re Not Alone”  http://youtu.be/8FXLo3aCkuQ

Bebo Norman’s “I Will Lift my Eyes”      http://youtu.be/Te0hy2YcLgg

Verses to ponder:  Lamentations 3:21-24, Hebrews 12:1-2, Matthew 14:22-33

Please follow and like us: