Gray Skies

When I wrote these words, a tropical storm was tearing through the south-east coast of the US. I was safely inland, but my Carolina blue sky was gray. Raindrops were thick. Winds were high as leaves and light trash danced in the wind.

As I snuggled underneath my blanket, my eyes scanned through social media pics depicting piers washed into the sea, an alligator in a flooded home, and businesses underwater. People's lives are in shambles in Florida and surrounding areas. I prayed from my couch prayers to cover others as I whispered hope and help for the mess left by a raging storm.

My mind traveled from the destruction of a hurricane to the harm of emotional storms. Either can roll into our routine, tearing up everything familiar. - Leaving one to scratch her head, wondering what happened and how to move forward.

Friend, perhaps, you are facing a storm today. Maybe, hateful words have ripped their way, between you and a loved one. Perhaps, unexpected destructive winds have blown your finances into a dark pit. Maybe, a doctor gave you little hope with recent news. When storms roll into your life, are you tossed into panic mode? Do storms leave you feeling defeated?

Life is uncertain. It does not always go according to plan. So, when facing an emotional storm, here are a few thoughts from a Biblical perspective.

First, wait patiently!

I know, I know. - Waiting is hard. We like to fix things. We are good at problem solving. But be warned because if you run ahead of God, you will make a deep mess. Trust me, I am speaking from experience. However, if you wait patiently on Him, He will place your feet on solid ground. He will make your steps secure and give you a new song. This does not mean everything and everyone will be grand; however, He will give you what you need to stand firm in the storm. He will make your future steps secure. With time, He will give you a new song. Remember, friend, his mercies are new every day. Psalms 40:1-3 (ESV) reads, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord."

Second, Trust Him and His Might

Be reminded of God's strength. He is Lord of All. He is all powerful. He is all mighty. Trust the process of trusting Him and His might. No storm has taken Him by surprise. No wave can wash Him out of your life. He is mightier than the storm raging around you. He is stronger than the crashing waves of the sea. Psalm 93:4 (ESV) "Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!"

This might of the Lord serves as the anchor for our souls as the storms rage. Hebrews 6:19-20 reads, "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." The pronoun 'this' refers to verses 13 -18, saying God's promises and character are our sure and steadfast anchor during all seasons of life; even the hard ones. He has promised and He can't lie. Hold on to Him. Hold on to His promise to never leave you nor forsake you. Remember He has promised to be a very present help in your time of trouble. Let His promises hold you fast as the storms rage.

As I wait under my blanket, the gray skies outside are slowly turning blue again. Winds are subsiding. The sun is shining. The same can happen in our emotional drama. Whatever the stormy battle you are facing today, God is creating clearer days and blue skies. Wait patiently. Trust Him. The sun will shine again. Blue skies will form as a canopy overhead.

Sweet Sister, you can wait. I promise. And you can trust Him. I know it to be true.