Psalm 107:24-25 (NIV)- “ They saw the works of the Lord,
his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a
tempest that lifted high the waves.”
The news tells us that
there are severe storms raging around many northern states in our country and several areas on our planet. Emergency protocols are
being reviewed, provisions are being stockpiled and people in potentially
affected areas are preparing for the worse. Some meteorologists have predicted
that these storms are the worst on record for more than 50 years and could
potentially cause power loses and structural damages in the hundreds of
thousands, if not millions of dollars.
With the potential for devastation always threatening, it is essential for
people of faith to remember that all things…yes ALL things… are under the
watchful eye and control of God. Not every
bad or problematic condition is of evil invention or the after clause of some
returning bad karma.
As our scripture for
today indicates the wonder of God happens in all aspects of life on planet
earth. The same hand that can produce a
storm will quiet it. We may not understand why stifling dust storms, blinding
blizzards, torrential rains, tsunamis, or the slow moving lava of active
volcanoes could be signals of a just and powerful God; but our faith tells us
that these occurrences are not times to mourn and complain, but to humble
ourselves and draw nearer to God in prayer.
Every storm is a call to trust God and rely upon his sovereign grace and
perfect will.
What storms do you see
brewing on your horizon? What troubles do
you see looming just ahead? If God has
given you foresight to see the potential for trouble, use these forewarnings as
a time for prayer and quiet reflection.
Don’t’ always ask God why the storm is coming or why you have to go
through the storm. Praise him for the fact that he will not allow you to go
through the storm unaware or alone. There is a lesson in the storm. There is a
blessing in the storm. Some things in your life need a shaking and some loose
‘junk’ needs to be blown away. There
might be some things that you really don’t need but you are too attached or
even to distant to get rid of; so a storm can provide the right impetus to let
you focus on the real importance …life itself. How many times have we seen
tornadoes totally decimate an area and the residents more times than not will
respond by saying…”we lost everything, but that can be replaced…we are blessed to
be alive”.
So as the storms are
approaching our land from all directions, let us pray for the safety and
well-being of our coastal citizens and their families; and at the same time,
let us praise our God for in his mercy these storms will bring him glory if we
know how to ride it out! Your own
personal storms will bring God glory if you just let go…let God do what he does
best…and ride it out! No murmuring…no
complaining….just praying!
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be
blessed! Dr. JoAnn
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