Storms by definition are described as a violent disturbance of the atmosphere. They are often difficult to predict and can feel like an eternity when in the midst of it. One of the most well known stories in the Bible is Matthew 8:23-27 (Jesus Calms the Storm). 

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

Jesus was resting when the storm struck the lake and the disciples first reaction was to panic and be filled with fear. Like the disciples, we often become so blinded by the storms in our lives that we forget the power and love of God. We become so consumed by our present circumstance that our attention is no longer on His eternal promises (to provide for us, to strengthen us and to sustain us until the end).

In John 16:33, God doesn’t promise that life will be easy. He reminds us that here on earth, we will face many trials and sorrows. Moments when we feel as though we are drowning and cannot seem to keep our head above the water. But He emphasises that we should take heart because He has overcome the world. God is bigger than any storm we face in this world. He is always working for our good, even in the places where we can’t see, even in the circumstances that we don’t fully understand. He is with us, right in the midst of all we walk through.

‘Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand’ – Isaiah 41:10

While our storms may look different to those faced by the disciples, we must use it as an opportunity to grow in our faith. God is the Only One who has the power to take what seems tragic and turn it around for good. It may not happen overnight, or as quickly as we’d like, but blessings will come from it. For this to happen, we must seek Him and run to Him for shelter in the midst of our storm(s) as He will protect and help endure us. We must no longer be fixated on our circumstance, but instead seek peace through Christ. One way of doing this is by meditating on His word. 

‘Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do’ – Joshua 1:8

As we study His word, we discover new meanings and learn how to better ourselves. It allows us to draw closer to God and dwell in His presence. A chance to be completely still and hear God’s voice, as well as to feel His warmth and comfort. Through His word, we are reminded that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.