Storms

Ever think about the storms that we encounter?  Physical, spiritual, or emotional, storms are often a part of our human experience.  Today where we live there were physical thunderstorms, with the possibility of causing severe damage.  There were reported hailstones and gusty winds, with the possibility of tornadoes in some areas.  I don't know about you, but when I hear of the possibility of dangerous storms and the damage they can do, I tend to get a little concerned.  Most of us take precautions.  The "weather alerts" and watches and warnings, help us to know what some of those precautions should be:  go inside, stay away from windows, have batteries and flashlights ready in case of power outages, and on and on the list can go.

Today in the area where we live, we were spared the possible damages the storms could have caused.  However, we still needed to be and were prepared for the worst.  The opposite has occurred here as well.  Sometimes, no matter how well we are prepared, storms still cause damage, and sometimes very major damage.  It is totally out of control.  Out of our control, anyway.

Then I thought of the storms we face in life that are more spiritual or emotional. God's Word gives us the precautionary measures to take to prepare for such storms, and the Bible is filled with warnings of guaranteed "storms" that will come upon us.  It is wise to heed to these warnings and to be prepared for the storms, however, remember we have no control over them.  Thankfully we know that our Heavenly Father does have control and knows exactly which storms will cause damage and which ones will pass over with minimal damage.

But there are some storms that enter our lives that we could never be fully prepared for, and the damage can be devastating.  I don't think there is a more devastating "storm" that can enter a person's life than the loss of a loved one.  These storms pull your roots out of the ground.  They flip you over and over and cause confusion and loss of focus.  The "strikes of lightening" can be more painful than anyone could ever imagine.  The "sounds of thunder" can be deafening and knock you off your feet.  And your home....can be destroyed.  Completely.  These storms can also isolate you from others, making you feel abandoned and alone.  Others around you may not have been effected at all by your storm, and many times this can cause hurtful comments..."It's not that bad."  "You can fix all the damage or buy new things."  "You're just too sensitive."  ...and on and on the comments come. 

Thankfully we have a caring, loving, sustaining, understanding, and comforting Heavenly Father we can run to and hide in his Arms.  He is our shelter from the storms of life.  He is our Safety and our Rock.  Praise Him!

 "The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide,
A Shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A Shelter in the time of storm."