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Psalm 107:23-32
Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

Storms. No one is exempted. They kick up quickly, unexpectedly, powerfully. They smash against our lives with tornado-like force. We struggle to stand. Sometimes we fall.

Storms. No one is exempted. They come in the form of illness, surgery, chemo, radiation, MRIs, PET scans, doctor visits, hospital stays, depression. We battle to keep going. Sometimes we feel we are at the end of our ropes.

Storms. No one is exempted. Bright skies turn into dark nights. “I don’t love you anymore.” You never saw it coming—separation, tears, pleading, silence, custody battles, rejection aloneness. The darkness of uncertainty is a scary place.

Storms. No one is exempted. We cry out to the Lord and He is always there. Not always to heal. Not always to restore. But He is always there. Sometimes He stills the storm to a whisper. Sometimes He stills our frightened hearts.

Lord Jesus, thank You for always being there when I cry out. Thank You for stilling my heart. Help me keep my eyes on You in the storm. In Your name I pray. Amen.