Storms and Struggles

As James was preparing to leave for the weekend, the vice-president called him into his office and asked him to sit down across the desk from him. In a somber voice he said, “I’m sorry, James, but we are reducing the sales staff and this was you last day with this company. Here’s a severance check that will help you make the transition.”

Now he was not only out of work but facing a difficult job market. He was overwhelmed with the prospect of going home and telling his wife the news. She was a stay at home mom with a child that was paralyzed from an automobile accident. He could not help but ask, “Where’s God in all of this? Is He for me or against me?” Those certainly are fair questions.

Life often is one storm after another. None of us escape the crashing waves or the fierce winds and the storms that we cannot escape. Sometimes they come swiftly. Other times they seem to brew slowly and painfully. Often a problem that started as a whispering breeze turns out to be a tornado.

The Psalmist said, “Deep calls to deep...all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” It sounds as though he is accusing God of a conspiracy. But that is not true. He wants us to realize that our God is a God who, in the midst of life’s storms, will never forsake us.

Think of it this way: In the depth of life’s storms and in the midst of life’s sorrows, God wants us to call on Him for the depth of His sympathy and support. He is ever present and all powerful and His grace is more than sufficient.

Never forget that whatever sorrow we experience in our lives Jesus experienced it before us. He has been there, endured that and understands our greatest sorrows and deepest needs.

Prayer: We are comforted, Lord, to know that You have gone before us, know us and care for us. Give us your grace to survive. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Psalm 42:7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me.