February 16

Strength in the Storm

You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:12).

Scripture: Psalm 66:10-15

Song: “Through It All”

In the shadow of my mother’s recent death, it felt like the valley flooded and it was all I could do to keep my head above the water. Perhaps you have felt like you were drowning in sorrow. Or maybe you’ve felt the flames of a fiery trial licking at you from every direction, the panic rising up within you as the fire threatens to consume you. Every follower of Jesus has experienced trials at one time or another. These times in our life can be terrifying as well as faith-building.

Financial struggles. Sickness. Loss of a loved one. Natural disasters. Terrorism. Persecution. Loneliness. The reasons to suffer in this world are endless, striking fear in our hearts and causing our faith in a loving God to waver.

When faced with problems, God gives us a choice. We cannot always choose our circumstances, but we can choose our response. In short, we can give up or we can look up. If we focus on the flood or the fire, we will drown or become burned. If we keep our eyes on the Lord and trust Him, He will bring us through the difficulty to a “place of abundance.” Remember Jesus’ words in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Heavenly Father, life can be painful. Thank You that we can trust You in all circumstances, and when we choose to keep our eyes on You, we find peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.