The Promise of a Haven

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” Psalm 107:29-30

Storms are inevitable part of our lives. Why? Simple—we’re not in heaven yet.

Jesus, in fact, warned us of storms. He told his disciples, “‘In this world you will have trouble.’”(John 16:33) But in that same verse he also told them that in him we may have peace and that he has already overcome the world. In other words, he promised that he is bigger than the storms that come barreling into our lives.

The words of Jesus have certainly proved true in my life. Time and again, my God has stilled the storms that have assaulted me. He’s hushed the waves that threatened me.

Even when I felt as if I might drown (for example, when caregiving responsibilities for Don’s mom seemed too much to bear at times), he strengthened me until the storm’s fury subsided. He held me up until sunshine was my portion once again.

And just as the Psalmist stated, after the winds and waves lost their steam, my God led me to the havens I needed at the time. He has continued to bless me with periods of rest or surround me with peace when needed. He’s wrapped me in comfort and also shown me the path to forgiveness. He’s graciously given what I’ve needed.

But even though my God has faithfully carried me through the storms of life and ministered to me in their aftermath, I still haven’t reached the point where I welcome them. I’m not sure any of us do.

But we can reach the point where we don’t fear storms so much,where we know our God is bigger. We can reach a point where we trust him in the midst of a storm. A point where we’re at rest—at rest in his promise of a haven.

“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14

*When did the Lord last lead you to a haven?

*My photo (Coulter Bay area of Grand Teton National Park)

Comments

  1. beautiful photo and very-appreciated words to read today. thank you!

  2. Yes, we can reach the point of not fearing them so much. When we trace the history of God’s faithfulness in our lives, when we look back and remember the times he’s kept us, then we can be sure that nothing has changed in our present and in our future. God will carry us through.

    peace~elaine

  3. Thanks, Emily. I love it when a real photographer thinks one of my photos is good :) Also so glad the words were what you needed to hear today!

    Elaine, you’re right — it’s so important to remember to recall God’s faithfulness to us. Gives us courage to trust him yet again.

  4. Fabulous photo, Cheryl. Your horizon line is level and it isn’t in the middle of the photo. You are really learning to use that camera well!

    Your post reminds me of the Casting Crowns song “Praise You In the Storm”. If only we had the presence of mind to do so!

  5. I just discovered your site and am so happy to have found this little community. I need to remember to give thanks for Peace before, during and after the storm, wrapped in God’s arms. It’s so easy for me to forget that simple fact that ‘Jesus loves me.’

  6. Thanks so much, Jana. It makes me happy to take a good photo :) Love that song Praise You in the Storm. Words of praise that are offered through tears must bring a special joy to our Father.

    Debbie, I’m so glad you discovered us, too! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the peace found when we’re wrapped in God’s arms. So very true. I hope you’ll continue to visit and share with us. Welcome!!

  7. Thanks for this lovely post, Cheryl. God is always with us through the storms of life. My summer was pretty stormy, but with God’s help I am now ready for a peaceful fall. Thank you for your wonderful insight.

  8. Mairead, sorry to hear that you had a stormy summer. I, too, hope that your fall will be more peaceful. Blessings to you!!

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