Downpours of rain are one thing to endure, but storms of life are not always such a quick fix. Sometimes days turn into years when waves of hardship keep knocking us down. It feels as though the skies will never clear again.
Find Shelter
Last summer I went on an evening walk up a trail that would circle close to three miles from my house. I had just reached the halfway point when I felt a few raindrops, so I started back toward home.
All of a sudden, a clearing in the tree line revealed the most ominous pitch-black cloud you can imagine! Large sprinkles turned to a full-on downpour. I was halfway home when I knew there was no escaping this storm; I became drenched to the core! When I finally made it home to our enclosed garage, the relief of shelter and dry clothes never felt so good!
Find Strength
We all know individuals who have endured great difficulties—health concerns, broken relationships, failed careers—and managed to make it through it all.
The Bible is also full of accounts of people who battled through challenging decisions, personal ridicule, beatings, and even threat to their lives—but came out stronger on the other side. One such person was Joseph—the beloved son of Jacob. His story rivals many present-day family dramas!
As a young boy, Joseph’s older brothers sold him off to a group of slave traders. As Joseph thrived in his new environment, people continued conspiring against him. He was put in prison for several years although he was innocent of any wrongdoing.
Years later—as the new ruler over Egypt— Joseph confronted his brothers and had the inner strength from God to tell them, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gen. 50:20).
Joseph was able to see God’s hand of mercy and guidance through several years of “stormy weather.” We can also hold to this claim in times of trouble!
Find Joy
- Release the hurt
Remember when you were a small child and got hurt? You cried your eyes out. Even though you’re now a grown adult doesn’t mean you no longer have feelings. When an event has literally broken your life and emotions into pieces, it’s ok to express emotion! In fact, it’s a healthy practice to release the anguish built up inside you.
- Talk to God
When you’re in utter despair and literally don’t know what to do next or which way to go, it’s time to voice your concerns to the Lord. I love a passage from Psalm 121:1-2 where David writes: “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” We can trust the Lord to hear our pleas for help and then provide the direction we need, even when circumstances look bleak.
- Stand firm in character
Joseph was wrongly accused several times which caused him to spend several years in a dark, lonely prison. Still, he didn’t waver in making wise choices and telling the truth—despite the consequences that came to him. We can also be people of great integrity—knowing it will make us stronger and able to assist others with hardships down the road.
- Stay grounded in God’s Word
We’re reminded in Psalm 119:105 that God’s Word is “a lamp to our feet and a light for our path.” The Lord is faithful to show us the way out of dark times while giving clarity of thought and direction. Even a few minutes each day of reading the Bible are adequate for God to bring new truths to our thinking, and hope from despair.
- Trust God for your future
After God provides direction and healing to our emotions, the next step is one we have to take—to trust Him fully! This is the hard part for us, but it’s vital. We’re told to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6). God created us. He knows about our difficult circumstances even before they happen. Therefore, we can trust Him to lead us out of the storm and into brighter days ahead!
Challenges of life can creep up on us with surprise just like a mid-summer storm—with frightening sights and sounds that paralyze us with fear and hopelessness.
The comforting news is that God is faithful to provide His umbrella of protection along the way!