Last night the skies were angry, or as my wife called it, “they were having a hissy fit!” I awoke around midnight to flashes of lightning and distant thunder. As the storm drew closer, I checked weather radar and noticed a series of thunderstorms bearing down on the city where I live. Eventually the sky was flashing with such frequency that it seemed as though someone outside was setting off a copious number of flash bulbs, followed by wall shaking bass drums that ceased to let up.
I typically enjoy a good thunderstorm, but when it goes on for hours and affects my sleep, not so much. While awake, I began to correlate the storm to things in my life. The nasty weather outside can stress my heart and soul to the point of anxiety and fear. Yes, my mind works this way in the middle of the night, especially during a storm. And like thunder and lightning, to which I have no control—things like issues at work, worries over family and friends or even simply fretting over whether I locked the gate before bed disrupt my slumbering peace.
May I ask you something?
When you are facing storms in your life, do you have a game plan for helping you through? Or might you wallow in fear and trepidation while turning your focus away from the One who calms seas, heals bodies and saves souls? Jesus Christ does all three, and He is more than capable and ready to help you through the very worst storms in your life, and blessedly, mine as well.
“The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.” (Matthew 8:25-26 NIV)
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,”(Psalms 103:2-3 NIV)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—” (Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
As I look over these supporting bible verses, I am reminded that even when I am overcome by anxiety—that when the turmoil spikes in my life and interrupts my sleep and inner peace, it is comforting to know that my Heavenly Father is with me and never leaves nor forsakes me. Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life. He alone can pull you and I from the depths and set our feet on very firm ground.
Are you ready to allow God to pilot your life and guide your steps? Are you willing to let Jesus into your heart and connect yourself to a faith that helps calm the storms that keep you up at night? If so, please say this simple prayer and choose a belief system that will change your life for eternity.
Dear Lord Jesus, I realize that I am a sinner, and I ask you for forgiveness and restoration of my soul. I believe that you died for my sins and rose from the dead. Help me to turn from my sins and I invite you to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Amen
If you prayed this prayer, then I urge you to click here and you will be provided the support and prayer that you need! Bless you, my friends.
Paul Smyth
