When we see images of devastation due to natural disasters, our heart is gripped in sorrow for those who are enduring those circumstances as well as fear for our self to possibly endure those same issues at a future time. We can make wise choices to insulate our self from many of the results of future devastation, but nothing is guaranteed.
Before a storm we can build up enough savings to last us for three months, purchase insurance on our home and its contents, keep cash on hand to use in case electricity fails us and our credit card is not functioning, trim tree branches away from our house and garage, place a well-stocked first aid kit in our car and park our car in a garage - not under a tree, pack a suitcase already full of clothes and toiletries and medication or supplements and place it in a handy location to grab at a moment’s notice, heed the warnings on the news and leave the area or go to a shelter if possible.
The best insurance in a storm is not to carry our burdens and fears alone, but to release the weight of them onto our Daddy God who sustains us and never allows us to be utterly shaken by our circumstances (Psalm 55:22). We thrust all our cares, worries, concerns and fears on Him, because He wholeheartedly and affectionately cares about us with a watchful eye (1 Peter 5:7).
Not death, nor the evils of life, nor spiritual warfare, nor current circumstances or future trials, nor terrors by night or depths of the sea, or any other created thing will ever separate from the love that God has for us (Romans 8:35-39). Like Job, whatever Satan steals from us will be replaced in abundance by our generous Father God (1 Peter 5:8; Job 42:12).
If we keep our eyes focused on the invisible by our faith in Jesus Christ, what is temporary and finite pales in comparison with that which is unseen and eternal. Therefore, there is no reason to lose heart, even if our body is wracked with sickness or pain, because in our spirit we are renewed day by day and God has good plans for us (Roman 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
God’s Word is full of encouragement concerning loss and grief. We will know our home is safe and a survey of our material possessions prove that nothing is missing (Job 5:24). God is our refuge from storms and a shelter from intense heat. He is a tower of strength to us in our distress (Isaiah 25:4). He plants a seed for a miracle in every trial.
God is a shelter from daily heat and a hiding place from vicious storms and heavy rains (Isaiah 4:6). Heavy flooding will not come near every godly person who prays to and trusts in God, because He is always present for us (Psalm 32:6). He fully rewards those who take refuge under His wings (Ruth 2:12). We can trust Him with our whole heart.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for delivering us out of the mighty storms, for keeping us from sinking, and from the deep waters. You control the floodwaters from overflowing us, and You prevent the depths of the sea from swallowing us up. You are so good to us, and You provide us with Your multitude of tender mercies (Psalm 69:14). The name of Jesus is a fortified tower for us, and His Saints can rest in His name and run to it for safety (Proverbs 18:10).
You meet all our needs with Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Our heart trusts in You, and You help us. Our soul leaps for joy, and our praise to You pours forth from our lips with songs of deliverance (Psalm 28:7). You are our refuge and strength as well as a constant presence during our times of trouble; therefore, we have nothing to fear even if the mountains quake and slip into the roaring, foaming seas (Psalm 18:2, 46:1-3). When we set You as our focus, and stand firmly in Your presence, we shall not be moved (Psalm 16:8).
Thoughts for the Day:
The Lord of hosts is continually with us, and a stronghold for us in times of trials and temptations. We have nothing to fear, because He is with us and in us; and as we keep our eyes focused on Him and not on the issues surrounding us, He strengthens us, helps us, and holds us up in His hand.
- Psalm 46:7; Isaiah 41:10; Nahum 1:7
