"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose"-Romans 8:28
The seas give way to the force of the storm, felling towering oaks of water across the bow. The skies are darkened with a blanket of doom as the sadistic squall swallows hope and spits out despair. The soaring winds steer the vessel to the ravenous reef, drowning dreams and devouring delight. Many storms develop from circumstance, but we need not run away cowering. We run toward the strong embrace of the Lord of the storm who will lift us above the ravaging winds towards victory. The storms that erupt within the atmosphere of our souls pelt our hearts with fear, guilt, and shame, and there is no escape in hiding from the pain it inflicts. We (God's children) must run toward the Lord seeking his favor through repentance and faith, depending upon His grace to restore the wholeness of peace in our lives. In the face of terrifying tempest, hopeless hearts can give way to courage. When the ravaging rage of the storm pillages our strength, fear-filled souls are buoyed by faith. Even as despair's darkness shrouds our thoughts, the shimmering rays of peace pierce our anxiety-saturated spirit, for we are not alone. We follow the wave-walking, wind-taming, shadow-shattering, death-destroying, rock-rolling Rescuer and when he speaks, the raging storm is silenced, the tempest trembles, adn tumultuous seas are stilled. Abundant life is dependent neither upon calamities averted, nor upon the favorable winds of circumstance. Abundant life is found through the glorious work of God's grace invading our every moment. In the grip of his grace, we sing in the storm the song of His goodness with unfettered faith. In the grip of his grace, we live courageously in the confidence of His good pleasure being worked in us and His glory being revealed through us.
Lord, I pray you would deliver your peace to my mind (and others) that I may remain fixed upon your pleasure. May my heart sing of my absolute dependence upon You. Amen.
