I remember evenings spent with my mom and sister during storms when I was a child. We’d gather in the living room, sing songs and play games until the storm passed. Even though the wind and rain blew against the house, we were safe and protected inside.
The disciples recalled the story of a storm on the Sea of Galilee. However they were not nostalgic, they told of a time they were terrified, didn’t trust God (Jesus was literally with them), and thought they would surely die!
In their story, Jesus woke up, calmed the storm, and then questioned the disciples faith. We may not be able to control the storms in our lives, but we can stay ALERT.
Aware of your current state of mind
Storms in life can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. While they often come from different directions, they can be interconnected. Understanding our current state of mind will help us to control how we react and weather the storm more effectively. We can ask ourselves:
- Am I tired or overwhelmed?
- Do I believe God is with me in this?
- Do I have more fear than trust?
If we’re not sure how we feel we can ask God for some clarity –
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 24-24
Listen to the right voices
Sometimes the storms come as an attack on our minds. The enemy tells us we are not good enough or strong enough to endure. But what does God say?Are we spending time in God’s word so we can hear from Him? Or are we simply replaying old recordings of past failures?
God’s message is one of faith, hope, and love but we need to spend time in His word to receive what He has to say. “Listen to God’s word and do what it says!” James 1:22
Exercise discipline
While we cannot control what goes on in the world around us, we can be disciplined in maintaining balance within us.Are wetaking care of ourselves? Do we seek out the things our mind, body and spirit need? Things like rest, food, and fellowship are required in effort to “run properly.” Something as simple as loneliness or mild dehydration can quickly take a toll.
You and I are created by a grand design and we are called to be disciplined caretakers by the One who made us. “Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Respond in a healthy way
Storms invoke a reaction. When we start feeling the pressure of the wind and rain, how do we respond? Do we lash out in anger? Do we isolate ourselves from others? Are we enduring the storm in a healthy way or letting the storm dictate our actions?
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Tame your tongue
When the storm is raging, it is easy to become overwhelmed. We may be uncertain of the outcome and how long the storm will last, but what we say about the storm matters.
Are we speaking as people of faith? Believing God CAN and WILL make a way even when we don’t see it? Or are we assuming defeat instead of God’s intended victory? What are we claiming by the things we say?
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Prov 18:21
The disciples allowed their fear to temporarily dictate their faith. You and I may be in the storm, but if we stay ALERT, the storm will not be in us!
Be blessed!
Jennifer
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1