I took this photo the morning of December 31, New Year’s Eve. I was on my morning walk and heading back to the house. As the clouds started rolling in, I hastened my pace and put my hood up in preparation for the certain rain and storm. When I noticed the boat out on the water, I wondered if the passengers had seen the clouds or if they were going to be caught off guard and unaware.
I began reflecting on how clouds and storms roll into our lives…..sometimes predicted and with time to prepare, but often the storm rolls in quickly, leaving us vulnerable.
Regardless if we “see” the storm coming…..such as the slow deterioration of health, the unraveling of a relationship, the predicted loss of employment…..it doesn’t make the impact less, but there is time to process the emotions and prepare ourselves for the grief, heartache and loss.
But some of life’s storms hit us completely without warning. The sun may actually be shining when suddenly we are blindsided by tragedy, loss and pain. We didn’t have time to prepare ourselves…..and the emotions are devastating and our hearts are broken.
Sometimes when life is just consistently difficult and trying, it seems the storm clouds are persistent and just won’t move on. The storm lingers and it remains continually overcast and dreary. We all experienced how 2020 was a year like none other, and 2021 has already been “stormy”. Most certainly, we all feel the stress and unrest around us, on the news and in our daily lives.
The scriptures tell us that it is inevitable for us to experience storms and difficult times during our life, both predicted and unpredicted. We will need to ground ourselves and hold on tight to weather the impact. But if we can rely on our faith…..we will make it through.
One of my favorite scriptures is Psalms 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God. Just saying that verse gives me peace and reassurance.
The Hebrew translation of “be still” is “let go, stop striving”. Sit in the quiet, close your eyes, say his name “Jesus” and be still…..do you feel the peace come over you? Know that I am God – take comfort that you are a child of God, He is the Almighty, He is in control, He loves you, He cares for you as a Father cares, He will protect you as a Shepherd does…..you will be okay!
Yes, we all encounter storms. Yes, we all experience loss and heartache. Yes, sometimes life is hard and exhausting. But lean forward…..you are stronger than you think you are…..let those who love you take care of you…..and “be still”…..Jesus has his arms wrapped around you…..He has you…..can you feel His embrace?
(originally written January 19, 2021)
