Most Omnipotent Lord, in the aftermath of a storm, the clouds break and sunlight streams through. It’s at these times when a smile or a hug reminds me that You are with me. It’s Your way of letting me know that the worst is over and I will be okay. It reminds me that You are always with me … before the storm … during the storm … and, in the aftermath of the storm. I must never lose sight of the fact that storms do not last forever and, in time, they too all pass. However, in my humanity, I find myself asking “why?” To resist my doubt, I have to come to the place where I trust and accept the fact that You know what is happening and will never allow me to be tested in ways greater than I can handle. Help me develop the skills to recognize the storm clouds and a plan for dealing with problems they bring. It is so easy to trust You when things are going well, but quite another story when things are working against me. If I can put my trust in You, I know that hope will abound to help me get through my struggles.
Help me realize, in the midst of my storms, it is the knowledge of Your loving concern that reassures me I can count on You. I need not travel down life’s path alone, for it is only in Your strength that I can face my difficulties and overcome them. When my load becomes heavy and the days seem long, only You can put my heart at ease and show me how to survive. It is Your hope and joy that is able to keep me afloat. I know it is unreasonable for me to believe that all of my days will be sunny and cloudless when the signs of storms are on the horizon. As the storms come to wash away my joy and perseverance, I know You will find a way to overcome them. Because of Your steadfast love and faithfulness, I cling to Your promises, as though they were life vests, getting me through the harsh winds of distress and the floodwaters of adversity.
It is comforting to know that, when the floodwaters of adversity begin to rise, You are the boat that will come to save me and carry me to safety. In my desperation, I look for a beacon of light that will guide me and put my heart at ease. As I travel along my path of life, each day opens a new door not open before. Behind each one I might find joy or opportunities to expand my faith. Each day that I live, You afford me a chance to earn a good living, serve others, maintain my equilibrium and increase in wisdom. The more time I devote to living uprightly, helping others and walking in Your ways, the more I will be prepared to deal with any troubles a storm might bring. Help me appreciate Your love and the many blessings You’ve intended for me. For, if I focus on these things, I will be better equipped to weather the storms of life. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Isaiah 25:4 You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.