Sunday, September 7, 2008

Living In the Eye of the Storm

The latest reports regarding the movements of Hannah and Ike have turned many minds to the plight of those who have fled from the potential devastation of these powerful hurricanes. When I try to imagine millions of displaced persons, my mind is numbed. Living where I do so far inland from the ocean, I can only try to empathize and reach out in whatever way available to bring some ease, and many are doing that and others will join them. Pray for the displaced hurting and the work that can bring hope and resource to so much need in these times.

As I reflected upon how the hurricanes and tornados have uprooted lives, brought fear and grief's loss to many, I am reminded that spiritually, as well, there have been great storms raging that seek to shake us into submission and doubt, away from the strong foundation of our faith. But for those whose faith anchor is firmly planted in the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ, such storms can not shake His grip and purpose.

In the eye of a hurricane is a great calm. So it is with the believer in the midst of the world's violent winds. Christ gives us His peace in the center of the storm. When all about us is being torn and uprooted, He stands quietly strong as a shield that keeps heart and mind from fear, when that heart and mind stay upon Him, when that life keeps to the center and does not venture far from His side.

The underlying truth of His power found in peace and calm is in evidence in the very laws established in nature. Consider that the law of gravity is invincible yet silent, and other such laws are in silent cooperation to keep nature's violence in check. The Lawmaker Himself has made it so, and the parallel in our spirits is no different, for here He also continues to be our quiet but invincible and unshakable ground of faith. Oh, that we would never stray from His side, but continue to stand strong with whatever storms betide.

When the violent storms around me
Bring me fear I won't survive,
When my life's so tossed and shaken,
And no peace seems to arrive,
Then I realize the Maker
Of the winds, He knows my form,
And He gives His peace for living
Within the eye of every storm.

Some scriptures that direct our minds to such are found in these Old Testament passages:
Job 34:29 "When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?"
Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God."
Isaiah 32:17 "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever."
Proverbs 1:33 "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

May this Lord's Day be the "eye of the storm" for you! Be encouraged!

1 comment:

Amber said...

Good words.

At small group tonight, in fact, we were having a good discussion about the Maker and the peace we can find within Him. Good timing.

P.S. You need to add a picture of you!!