You are loved even when you’re in a dark place, whether the dark place be a blurry focus that is difficult to correct or whether by reality. Some weather storms much closer to home than others. It can feel like you are that little tree bending in the fierce wind. Life’s storms can be huge, leaving staggering devastation in their wake, or they can be small and short, still causing occasional damage. I can’t tell you the outcome of your storms, or all the reasons why they may occur. But I can tell you that when you submit to Christ and keep your focus on Him, He will give comfort, direction, and correction. You can even expect miraculous intervention in either storm diversion or divine character changes in you, such as strength, joy and endurance as you walk through trials unscathed. The latter can be a greater good. In retrospect, you will see it.
I hope that when the next storm clouds of life appear in your horizon, you seek God in prayer, first recognizing that we all contribute to “storms” on occasion, and second, that even if you did nothing to deserve your current circumstances, YOU ARE LOVED by a God who sees you and knows what you are dealing with. When you truly seek Him, He will rescue you in ways that you know are personal and precious. The more you trust Him, the sweeter He becomes to you, both during the storm, and reflecting on Him once it has passed. He becomes your Storm Chaser, Comforter, Healer and the most personal Lover of your Soul. You become aware that you were the Apple of His Eye all along, and gain confidence in His strength in you.
You are not defined by love that wanes or seems to fail. You do not fall down when your props are all knocked out from under you, whether from a health calamity, job loss, financial problems, friendship/reputation issues, etc. You are never alone. In marriage, whether you are a husband or wife, God reaches out to you with comfort and answers. He soothes your broken heart with personal words urging you to march on because He has crushed the enemy. And He helps you know who the ultimate enemy is, and that you are, at times, just as much the enemy as anyone else on this messed up planet, so there’s never an excuse for not forgiving , restoring and counting your blessings.
Don’t lose sight of the fact that rainbows come after storms, smiles after tears, joy after sorrow and rewards after steadfastness. With endurance you can become that tree that is deeply rooted, has stood the test of time, and bears much fruit. With that kind of plan, it’s hard to doubt that you are dearly loved and will make it through life’s storms, and be the better for them.
P.S. Be sure to check out all the other bits of encouragement linked-up on the Coffee for Your Heart 2014 Encouragement Challenge!
Cobbled Stones 