Eye Of The Storm
I had big plans for the weekend, and then a big ice storm hit and all my plans went out the window. Funny how God uses the weather to get our attention. I think God gets our attention with not just the weather, but also with our health, our finances, and our relationships. If you are going through a storm right now, you know firsthand how devastating they can be. Some are even life-threatening.
If you have ever seen a hurricane (even on TV), you have probably heard them talk about the eye of the storm. A strange phenomenon occurs at the very center of the storm. There is a stillness and perfect calm with all hell breaking loose around it.
There is a peace that passes understanding. That is the very essence of the word Shalom. It is having complete peace when all hell is breaking loose around you. It is having the clarity of heart and mind to act, not re-act. It is having the self-control to stay the course, not lose hope, and keep the faith. It is being at peace whether things are going your way or whether they are coming apart.
That is easier said than done, right? Easy for me to say that to YOU, right? Well, I have had more than my share of storms. In fact, I should have been a storm chaser or at least a weatherman because I have found myself in storm after storm. Sometimes it has been because of poor choices I have made, and sometimes it has been just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
You have probably heard about people talking about “Getting to the heart of the matter.” That is because the heart is generally recognized as being more than just a muscle. It is our core. If your heart is filled with Shalom, then the storms that come against you can be endured. It is like knowing that the waves may be coming over the bow of your boat, but Jesus is onboard with you. He may be sleeping (after all…He IS Shalom). But think about it, if you KNEW that you were not alone, if you KNEW that God Himself was with you, would that not give you some clarity? Would that not give you hope? Of course it would.
The problem we all have is staying focused and faithful in the storm. It is so easy to get despondent, particularly when we are sick, or tired, or the problem has been going on for years. Let me give you something to hold on to. God is our anchor in the storm. He is not going anywhere. He is there with you. He is the lighthouse showing you the way, and even better than that, He is in the boat with you. You are never alone. You are never beyond His grasp.
Trust Him when the winds are howling, the boat is about to capsize, and all seems lost. With a word, He can calm the storm. Seek Him. Ask Him. Trust Him. Follow Him. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want God as my co-pilot. I want Him in control. It may be time for us to give Him the controls and trust His lead.
P.S. Have you noticed how often the weatherman is wrong? Despite all their Doppler Radar technology they still get it wrong much of the time. Who are you going to trust in the storm? The weatherman, a friend, a relative, some “expert,” yourself, or God? No offense to the weatherman or anyone else…just saying. Only one in that list has a perfect record.
Shalom!
Dan Skognes