By KARISA MOORE
When clouds brew consistently darker, I don’t always remember—all storms cease. My son endured a particularly difficult day, filled with school stresses, hurt feelings, and missing his brother. The weather outside matched his mood, popping and flashing in a wild tantrum. And he is terrified of storms. His hands were over his ears and his eyes were squeezed tight. As I worked to reassure him, it made me think. I can struggle to believe that a loving God lets such destructive circumstances into my life. But reminders of God’s promise do appear in the storms.
I immediately thought of the disciples. They experienced miracle after miracle through the hands of Jesus, things like the feeding of over 5,000 people from just a few fish and a few loafs of bread, and seeing Him walk on water. They observed first-hand as Jesus healed the sick and freed the oppressed. All the ingredients were there for Jesus’ followers to know that He was truly the Son of God.
Yet even after all they had seen, one day a large storm whipped up around them while they were in a boat together and fear coursed through them. Mark 4:37-38 tells us, “A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
Head knowledge of God does not suffice when you feel the next wave is going to drown you. Storms reveal the areas in which we do not truly trust God. Within the midst of our consuming storm, we cry out, “Please hear me Lord; show me you care for me.” We long to witness Jesus stand up and calm the storm. I have learned that only when I accept His love as irrefutable fact, allowing Christ to make His passion for me a part of my being, do I stop being tossed around like a rag doll when our circumstances change.
My son was overwhelmed by what he was experiencing during that terrible storm, yet God reminded Him of His faithfulness. My son spotted a double rainbow. He relaxed, and with eyes big he exclaimed, “Sometimes I need a double rainbow to remind me God really loves me!” We pulled off the road and snapped some pictures.
Just like me and my son, you may long for God to reinforce His presence, promise and provision in your dark circumstances. One rainbow simply is not enough. Rainbows have always been examples of God keeping His promises. His overwhelming love for us tells the storms in our lives to be still. He calls us to observe His faithfulness and be secure in trust. He loves you. A double leaves no doubt.
FOR FURTHER THOUGHTWhat storms are you currently struggling to believe God can handle? What reminders do you see around you that He has handled storms in the lives of others or for you in the past, or even in nature? I learn a lot by observing His provision throughout nature. Insects have an innate sense of when a storm is coming and build up their homes or seek deeper shelter. Birds fly south for the winter. Ways of protection are there for both man and beast. Take opportunities to observe how creation is provided for and remember that Jesus says you are even more valuable than they (Matthew 6:26). Spend some time in prayer reflecting on these things with God so He can build courage into you, which is all encouragement is!
PRAYER Lord, when my boat starts filling up I can feel faithless and frightened! It so hard when I don’t see you moving immediately to my aid. Yet I know I have seen you be faithful in so many areas of my life and in the world around me. Help me to trust in You more deeply and to remember You will provide a way through each and every storm. Thank You that You remind me I am never alone. Even when I don’t feel it, I know I am blessed. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
Karisa Moore
KARISA MOORE is a writer, speaker, and hope warrior for those battling depression. As a survivor of suicide, Karisa saw the need for a raw, passionate, and Christ-centered voice in the depression conversation. She began blogging Turning the Page on Suicide in 2014, after the suicide of her teenage son. Her followers include church leaders, those actively struggling with depression, and fellow grievers. Utilizing her skills as a devotional writer, gift for conversing with readers through poetry, and scriptural insights into the darkness of despair, she listens, encourages, and challenges her readers to find hope amidst depression.
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Follow her at: http://www.turningthepageonsuicide.org Twitter: @moore_karisa Facebook: Karisa Lynn Moore
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