THE STORMS OF LIFE

From My Perspective - - -

In one form or another, most people have had experiences where they concluded it was “a storm of life.” The phrase means various things at various times. There are those who see their lives disrupted by an unforeseen event and they feel as though they are inundated by their circumstances – drowning in their tremendous burden. There are those who have accumulated an insurmountable debt-load and they have the sense of perishing in the deep waters of their helplessness. There are those who become subjected to the weather-related storms such as Katrina or Hurricane Sandy. Storms that deprive one of every day services and benefits – food, water, gasoline, transportation, electricity. Help is promised but seems so slow in arriving.

One welfare relief organization finds itself in the predicament of the storm and have sent an appeal to as many as they can contact. It states:  “I know you care greatly for the children and families impacted by Super-Storm Sandy, and I want you to know that…relief teams have been on the ground since the storm struck — and are working tirelessly to help victims in its wake. The death toll is still climbing, and hundreds of thousands have had to evacuate their homes. Your help is urgently needed today. The storm has taken its toll on relief efforts, too. Hospitals are being evacuated. Homes and churches are destroyed. Our warehouse in the Bronx, New York, was flooded by surging water. We lost about one-third of our relief supplies from our warehouse in the Bronx when Sandy hit…New York City is one of the most expensive places to live and operate when bringing relief. People are really hurting and they need our help." Despite the affluence of some, help is needed by most.

In Psalm 107:23-31, one is reminded of The Storms of Life that can and do occur. The Psalmist describes it as: “Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters, They see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. Then they are glad because they are quiet; so He guides them to their desired haven. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” In the midst of the storm and after, to be thankful to the Lord. It is a tall order but a necessary perspective and practice.

One of the comforting reminders in Scripture is in Isaiah 43:1-3, “…thus says the Lord, Who created you…and He who formed you…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you…For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” It is comforting to know that even in the time of peril and despair, one can call out to the Lord and He will hear and respond according to His will. In this regard, there is the account recorded in Mark 4:35-41. Jesus had decided to go to the other side of the body of water. Some thoughts from this text emerge: (1) “other little boats were also with Him”; (2) “a great windstorm arose”; (3) Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a pillow”; (4) “the Disciples awaken Him”; (5) In their panic and fear, they say to Jesus: “do You not care that we are perishing?”; (6) Jesus arose “and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea: Peace, Be Still!”; (7) “He said to them: Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

In the midst of the storm, two important things the disciples forgot: (1) their fellowman – “there were other little boats with them”; and (2) Their faith – their failure manifest it because of their doubt and fear. How do you respond to the crisis moments when they occur – with panic or peace; with faith or failure? Keep your focus on Jesus Christ and be confident in Him and His ability to meet your need. Consider these things with me.