Storm over ocean by Diana Aldrich
http://pinterest.com/pin/142074563215923628/
From
the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead
me to the towering rock of safety, Psalm
61:2
Is this not the most beautiful storm photography you've ever seen? This photo makes me appreciate that from where we stand in a storm depends upon our perspective of things, wouldn't you agree! Our perspective and anticipated outlook do a waltz. Our heart and mind commingle and one finally succumbs to the other. It really becomes the battle of the wills. Good storm, bad storm-choose! The thought of experiencing a storm is daunting. Our most recent Super Storm Sandy packed a punch that recovery efforts are staggering from. Lives have been lost and perspectives forever changed. Ask folks what matters now and surely you'll receive a variety of responses. And for those that have lived through and recovered from hellish storms or a series of storms we may be “weather” weary; but what of the outcome? If you are reading this more than likely you survived, wouldn't you say? Or just maybe we are riding it out!
As Aretha Franklin says, “It can break you or it can make,…you hold the power!” From this view and this height we are victorious, and possibly not too beat up, unscathed if you will. But I’d like to think the storm moved out and possibly away from our vicinity. (Not always the case though! ) This view possibly represents our insight and/or perspective which now because of personal experience it assures us that we have lived to share the story!
This awe inspiring photography uplifts my spirit. I saw this on Pinterest and thought to myself, “Is this how God envisions our storms?” But what is our take, our perspective on this storm? Captivating or dreadful, depending upon our experience and mindset it can very well consume us? Just remember:
We don’t have a testimony, if we don’t testify!
We can’t be a victor if you haven’t known what it is to overcome a battle!
We can’t understand joy and/or pain if the experience is foreign!
We can’t share that Jesus is a deliverer if we haven’t known, nor recognized his compassion and life saving measures!
The more I read about the goodness of the Lord and am touched by His presence through a helping hand, a life affirming word or heartfelt gesture(s)-the clearer my understanding is about storms serving a purpose in the particular unsettling seasons of our lives. Surely they will come, but now I am inclined to draw nearer to the Divine source, instead of cowering in fear. We can trust that during our most heart wrenching storms God will not abandon us. It’s a fact that if I’m in relationship with Him-the Holy Spirit that we can make it because "Greater is He that is in [us] than, He that is in the world!” I John 4:4
Truly He can handle what we are helpless to manage. Yes, our storms (mental, psychological, financial, emotional, physical, relational, spiritual and natural...you name it!) sometimes seem to level us and knock us for a loop; can instead erect another stepping stone and not a road block to reaching our destiny. Later we’ll come to appreciate that the Lord had every thing under control.
Look at the tranquil water surrounding the stormy clouds and rain. The water is absolutely beautiful. Grasp the reality that despite the natural circumstances there is a divine, calming water surrounding us, think about that! Our life jackets are our help-the Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture, the life sustaining words written "in spirit and in truth!” John 4:24
I encourage you to discover insightful links and scriptures that address overcoming storms and remember there's power in prayer! Trust in the Lord and Lean not on your own understanding! Proverbs 3:5
Let's keep a song in our heart, yes a song of thanksgiving! Be not afraid that:
Let's keep a song in our heart, yes a song of thanksgiving! Be not afraid that:
1. God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm.
2. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs And works His sovereign will.
3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head.
4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
5. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.
6. Blind unbelief is sure to err. And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain.
http://www.scriptureandmusic.com/Music/Text_Files/God_Moves_In_A_Mysterious_Way.html
Praise Him, Praise Him!
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises
