In the Eye of the Storm
Thunder. Lightening. Strong Winds. Hail. Flooding. There are two words that render me unsettled every year: hurricane season. Although it appears lately that we do not have to officially be in hurricane season in order to experience hurricane-like weather because our city, along with others, has been bullied by one major rain event after another causing devastation all around us. Whether it’s flooded homes, flooded cars, being stranded for hours or the unfortunate loss of life we have been affected by it all. We have been helpless victims of its wrath wondering with fearful anticipation when the next storm is going to arrive. It’s heartbreaking watching various news reports as they give us panoramic views of water-filled neighborhoods and washed out roads that have swallowed vehicles whose owners thought they could make it through…but the flood waters were no match for any make or model as it devours their vehicle and everything around it. These storms have arrived untamed and unconcerned about the path of destruction it takes or the devastation it leaves behind.
Storms can create a steady flow of blinding rain. They can produce boisterous winds as well as produce a show of lightening that skips across the sky accompanied by intrusive claps of thunder. So it is with the storms that enter into our lives – they enter unannounced causing disruption in every corner of our world. Storms can also travel into our lives through consequences which we must face because of our sin. Although storms can subject us to seasons of pain, it can also yield us periods of great reward for it is during that time when you are in the eye of the storm that you witness the strength of God – it is during that time you experience the peace of God and it is during that time you uncover the will of God (for your life).
In Matthew 8:23-27 the disciples were collapsing with fear in the midst of a great storm. This familiar passage reads:
“When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
This passage is a fresh reminder of how we as Believers hunker down in our “boats of unbelief” afraid to emerge and stand firm in our faith and trust God when storms arrive. When we are face to face with an unexpected season of stormy weather, we need not panic or fear as the Disciples did, instead we should without hesitation lean into our divine rescuer and listen intently to His voice as he calms the sea of disruption that has entered into our lives. As we hasten to Him to rescue us there are three things we should do:
Entrust our care to Him – I Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Although they were experienced fishermen and were familiar with storms as well as the bumpy rides these storms are capable of giving, they were very fearful of this one. So much so they woke Jesus from His sleep to alert him they needed to be saved from the dangerous arms of the sea. The Disciples entrusted themselves to Jesus because they were well acquainted with who He was and what He was capable of doing.
Expect the Calm – Psalm 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. Just as Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea from his volatile state He can do the same for you when seasons of unfavorable “weather” flood your life. We must trust and expect that in His time He will bring calm and relief to our stormy season.
Experience the Peace – John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. Rest and know that all creatures and all of creation act upon the command of the Creator. Even if the storm doesn’t seem to subside know that He will supply you with His peace to cover you until it does. Philippians 4:7 speaks of the potency of the peace of God – it is so powerful it surpasses all understanding and it guards our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ryan Stevenson, a Christian contemporary artist has a song titled “In the Eye of The Storm.” Part of the lyrics of that song goes like this:
In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm
He indeed is our anchor who brings calm to our stormy sea. So when we are swept into the eye of the storm, remember the Creator has complete command and control of it. He will rescue you and enable you to stand firm in the face of it so trust the Master – remember who He is and rely on Him to cover you with his protection while you are in the eye of the storm.
Terrie Thomas,
A NEW ME Blog Contributor
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