Seasons come, seasons go! Winter is fast giving way to spring, then spring to summer. Along with every season come various kings of weather, be it snow, wind, heat and monsoon rains.
I remember the summer of 2014. The monsoon rains were the worst I remember in a long time. With the heavy rains I received weather alerts on my cell phone, as well as the television. We were adequately warned of flash floods.
Fortunately, the National Weather Service kept each of us being informed and prepared for what would lie ahead. Like many of you, any storm that threatens us allows us to prepare for what was to come. Knowing that there would be high winds and torrential rainfall, I “battered down the hatches” and waited for the storm to be over. If I were still in my small hometown in Texas, I would be headed for the storm cellar!
Many of the storms of life have nothing to do with rainfall, and they roll in and catch us unaware – and further unprepared. Of course, I am speaking of such storms as sickness, loss, financial crisis, etc. Such storms can wreak havoc and leave us devastated.
Reading the newspaper or watching the television news daily reveal that hundreds, if not millions, are suffering the world over. Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and flash floods have disrupted and displace millions of people as they search for shelter and places to live. Such devastation has left many without hope.
In some interviews, we always see some who have a positive outlook because their hope is not in circumstances or tangible things, but in God, who is able to still life’s storms that trouble the heart.
The psalmist wrote: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1-3)
The psalmist obviously experienced some troubling times which he equated to a troubling storm. He sought refuge in the arms of God whom he believed could give peace in the storm, as well as keeping him safe.
No matter if the waters should rise or the storm shake violently, he found in God a calming peace because he knew that the Creator of all things was present and aware of what was happening.
It is apparent that God does not prevent every storm, nor does He prevent the devastation that comes with it; but He can use the storms of life to teach us greater dependence and trust in Him. In this life we will experience the storms that make little, or no, sense; leaving us to question, “Why?”
Though we may not always understand, we have the assurance that “…all things work together for good to those who love the Lord.” (Romans 8:28)
The next time a storm rises and threatens you, rest assured that God is in control.
Pastor Jerry L. Dunn, Oak Street Baptist Church
