Wednesday, January 11, 2012

THURSDAY THOUGHTS



We've had the most glorious January weather here in West Michigan, BUT...

STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES...

Who hasn't read those words splashed across the bottom of your TV screen or heard it announced on the radio, or overheard it mentioned in the grocery store where everyone runs for last minute supplies?

Storms are imminent, both in weather and in life! We can't avoid them. Even in the height of paradise (wherever that may be) one is never immune to storms. I can handle the occasional bad storm--in fact, I rather enjoy them if I'm not inconvenienced by a lack of food, warmth, and electricity! (ha!) No, it's the storms of life that often get me down. Somebody falls victim to an incurable disease, fire burns a house to the ground, an unspeakable auto accident takes the life of a precious husband and father, an innocent child suffers abuse at the hands of someone he/she trusted - and the list goes on.

It's tempting to question where God is when we're busy trying to ride out these horrid storms that threaten to sweep us away, the current so strong we can barely stay afloat. But in my heart I KNOW where He is. He's in the wind, the waves, the mountains, the valleys, and the floods of life. He is there, asking us to trust Him through the darkest storms. How do I know? Because I've tested Him and found Him true and faithful over and over...and over.

"Be still and know that I am God..." the verse states. Next time something sneaks up on you that you weren't prepared to handle, rest in God's protective, shielding arms and simply KNOW that He is God...

And now, I must confess that I am glad I made two grocery store stops today. I am ready for the storm!

8 comments:

The Read-a-Writer said...

It's so sad to know that people are "ready" to panic at the mere thought of a storm. Whether it be a storm of life or a storm of rain/snow with wind/hail/etc. People just don't think of the One true Haven--which we can so easily find in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 107:30
Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven

SHARLENE said...

Page after Page - I LOVE your outlook. It's so true. God gives us just what we need WHEN we need it. All we have to do is rest in His promises.

"Worry not about tomorrow for today has enough worries of its own."

Thanks for your added insights.

(((Hugs)))

SHARLENE said...

Page after Page - I LOVE your outlook. It's so true. God gives us just what we need WHEN we need it. All we have to do is rest in His promises.

"Worry not about tomorrow for today has enough worries of its own."

Thanks for your added insights.

(((Hugs)))

Sandra Heska King said...

It's always good to be prepared before a storm comes--storing up His Word, knowing Him before we have to look for Him in the waves.

I'm out of bread. I guess I should make a food run.

Nise' said...

LOL - I am on my way to the store now! We had a storm of life sneak up on us recently and even in our asking why, He showed up and showed Himself faithful! Great reminder Shar.

SHARLENE said...

Sandy, you've been through a few storms lately, and I know you've found God faithful in them. Thanks for stopping by, sweetie.

Nise', as always I LOVE hearing from you. I am so sorry about that unexpected storm you just encountered but just as pleased to hear you found strength in the middle of it. GOD IS FAITHFUL. Praise His name.

Praying for all of you...

journeystojoy.net said...

Shar;
Several years ago during a multi-year storm in my life I came across that verse - BE STILL AND KNOW...but for the first time in all the years after having memorized it in the KJV I was reading it in the New American Standard Bible - It reads there: QUIT STRIVING and know... - it became my verse to hang onto from then to even now - Maybe even to being considered my 'life-verse'.
Seems I WANT to always control those storms - such as the one I'm experiencing since September or the one my dh and I are experiencing since last May - I CAN NOT CHANGE ANY OF IT except my attitude. You are such a gifted encourager, Shar - Thank YOU for obeying God by writing this post!

SHARLENE said...

Precious Joy,

You are not alone in your struggles. God, our ever-present help in time of need, promises never to leave or forsake. I cling to that truth more than you know.

Stay strong, dear friend.