Stormy Days

Question to think about: What do you do when stormy days come into your life?

We have had more rain in the first week of November than in the whole month of October. The thing is . . . people living in the Pacific Northwest should be accustomed to stormy days. Even so, the word, "should" is relative when it comes to accommodating the darkened skies, wind, and rain on an ordinary fall day in the Pacific Northwest.

Likewise, everyone will face at least one storm in life. That said, none of us want storms . . . but history reveals the storms are a part of living . . . and it is our choice of how we will live through the storms.

What is the first thing to do when the winds of adversity stir and the storm begins to come our way?

We need to become still to know the presence, power, and peace of God:

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has made desolations in the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Psalm 46, NKJ)

The key component to face and manage a storm is to make the choice to rest in the presence, power, and peace of God who is our Refuge.

Christ assured the Jewish leaders and assures you and I:
"And I assure you that the time is coming, in fact it is here, when the dead will hear my voice -- the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live.
(John 5:25, NLT)

When we rely and rest in God, our Refuge, we discover that there is Life in the greatest storm.
Be still.
Seek.
Listen.
Receive.
Live fully and wholly even in the midst of a storm.

Learning with you to seek the Refuge in stormy days,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)