Refuge in the Storm
God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1
Spring storms pop up all the time. Almost every evening when I watch the news, I see stories of a storm somewhere in the country. Just this past Sunday night, my wife and I hunkered down in our half bath downstairs, braced for a tornado headed straight for us. Fortunately, it passed over without any damage.
When I was a child, I was terrified of storms. In first grade, we had a hail storm that broke out many windows on the back of the school building. Students were rushed into the hallway, where we had to get on our knees, face the wall, and cover our heads. When I heard the winds and breaking glass, I thought it was a tornado and that I was going to die. As a result of that one moment, I spent several years terrified and nervous of cloudy, windy, stormy weather. Thankfully, I was able to overcome this fear.
I recently watched the updated version of the movie Twister. The original came out in 1996, and the updated edition, Twisters, came out in 2024. Both movies have the same basic premise. They center around storm chasers who put their own lives in danger to track and study tornadoes to improve warning systems and save lives. The storms portrayed in those movies were massive and destructive. My hometown in Kentucky sustained a tornado in December 2021, destroying many homes and properties.
Storms are real, scary, and dangerous. They cause much damage and destruction in their pathways. The fear of storms, also known as astraphobia, affects many people on a daily basis. Understanding the science behind storms and taking precautionary measures can sometimes help alleviate the fear of storms.
In Mark 4:35-41, the disciples were in a boat with Jesus when a great windstorm arose. The disciples were scared and thought they were going to die. Jesus was asleep in the boat, but the disciples woke him up. Jesus spoke, and the winds ceased! There was a great calm. Jesus asked the disciples why they were afraid and if they had no faith.
Storms of this life can be many at times-health problems, financial stress, relationship difficulties, emotional struggles. As believers, we are not immune. We live in a broken world. Trials and troubles are a certainty, and they come in various forms.
The disciples were caught off guard by the storm. Similarly, storms in life often come unexpectedly. Just like the disciples, we can easily become overwhelmed by fear and feelings of helplessness when facing difficult situations. When life's storms hit, our first instinct can be fear. Our faith can be tested. Despite the storm, Jesus was with His disciples the whole time. In the midst of our own storms, it’s important to remember that Jesus is with us.
Today’s passage encourages us to focus on God's power and presence rather than the size of the storm. God goes before us, and He will be with us. God is in control in the middle of our storms, and He is our only Hope. He will give us strength to face our challenges. Turn your fears, doubts, and feelings of hopelessness over to Him and trust Him.
Call to Action
What challenges and hardships are you facing currently?
Consider these action steps. Which one(s) do you need to implement?
Recognize and acknowledge the storm and commit to facing it head-on.
Seek the Lord through prayer, asking for wisdom, discernment, and trust.
Look to family, friends, and trusted believers for comfort and assistance, and share your feelings.
Maintain a positive attitude and remain patient.
Find meaning in the struggle and learn from it.
Focus on one thing at a time.
Take care of your physical and mental needs.
Put your complete trust in the Lord, knowing He will strengthen you and has a plan.
Digging Deeper
Read these additional passages: John 16:33, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 107:29, Isaiah 4:6, Deuteronomy 31:8
Prayer
God, thanks for going before us and always being our protection and strength in the good and bad times.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens
