God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give away and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. — Psalm 45: 1-3 NIV
Have you ever had a dream so realistic that you had difficulty separating reality from falsehood? I’ve had dreams so haunting that I was relieved to awake. Yet, certain life situations happen and feel like nightmares.
Not long ago, I dreamed of cruising a country road. Suddenly, the shiny sports car stalled. I grabbed the wheel and guided it as it slid to a stop on the grass. I abandoned the vehicle and walked along the lonely road, searching for help. Shivering in the brisk breeze, I pulled the collar of my coat tight and thrust my hands into my pockets. That’s when I discovered my keys weren’t there. I retraced my steps and found my car had vanished.
My dreadful dream filled me with fear. The succession of loss left my soul feeling heavy and weighed down. I’ve endured moments of loss, but I’ve never faced total despair. My dream revealed how life can change without warning.
Our dreams often mirror our deepest fears, manifesting as haunting scenarios where we find ourselves alone and stranded, grappling with helplessness and despair. These nocturnal experiences can feel all too real, stirring a sense of anxiety that lingers even after we wake. However, unlike our dreams, reality can present us with situations that are even more terrifying, situations that feel like true nightmares as we confront overwhelming challenges and loss. It’s easy to feel adrift in these real-life storms, but amidst the chaos, we can find solace and strength in our faith. Only God can provide the unwavering hope we need to endure and survive life's devastating storms, reminding us that no matter how dark the path may seem, His light will guide us forward.
When Hurricane Helene struck the coast of America, powerful gusts swept rising rainwater over the land. Rivers ravaged the mountainous terrain and became mudslides. Swollen streams cut new trails across the dry land, demolishing anything in their path. Wild waves surged over the land, crushing people. The destruction was indescribable, appearing like a nightmare many wished wasn’t real.
The storm left a trail of destruction when it swallowed land, collapsed structures, and snatched children from the arms of parents. Mountains which had stood for ages were powerless against the swift waters. The vicious flood devastated and displaced thousands of people when it left, leaving behind a scarred land. The storm left communities in ruins. Rivers changed the landscape of several states and the lives of surviving residents.
During tragedies like this, we may wonder where God is and how we’ll recover. However, the Bible assures us that amidst life’s storms, God will always be with us, supporting us because He has a purpose for our lives.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give away and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging (Psalm 45: 1-3, NIV).
He listens to our pleas and assists. As Christians, we serve as God’s hands in the world. We must anchor ourselves in Jesus, our steadfast rock, who strengthens us during turbulent times. God is our stable foundation, enabling us to endure life’s storms.
Prayer: Dear Father, I don’t know how to endure tragedy without You. God, You are my strength in both good and bad times. You give me the courage to move forward, even when I feel paralyzed with fear and doubt. Your promises will never fail, and I pray that my trust in You grows stronger. Lord, bolster my faith in the face of trials. Regardless of hardships and life’s storms, please help my belief to remain rock solid. You are the great I Am who never changes. So I lean not on my understanding or emotions, but on Your Word. Amen.
Your turn: Reflecting on past storms in your life that challenged you, what instilled bold courage during those difficult times? When confronted with various misfortunes, what provides you with the strength to endure?
Comentarios