Finding Peace through the storms of life~

I've been thinking and praying a lot these last few days about the storms of life and why the Lord allows His children to go through them. I believe it is because He wants to get closer to us and knows that for many people, the only way they will ever reach out to Him, is if everything in their lives is turned upside down, they are desperate and have no where else to go!

                                                 We all have storms in our lives. How will you get through yours?


Wouldn't you agree that it's during the darkest hours that we reach out to others and up to the Lord? How many of us, in desperate situation, have made promises to God like this~~ "If you will just get me through this ordeal, or sickness or spare this loved one's life, I promise to __________fill in the blanks, you know what they are...."?

But, how many of us can live up to the promises that we make to God? I know I sure have a hard time. I've tried, but it's really a tall order for me and probably for most any of us humans.

Bargaining with God Almighty is never really a good idea. God has Omnipotence (unlimited and all incompassing power), Omnipresence (is everywhere at every time) and Omniscience (all knowledgeable).

After all, He is the Creator of this Universe, including everyone and everything in it. You can hide, but you can't run! He knows everything about everyone and he is everywhere! You may not want to admit it to yourselves and it indeed may take a breaking point for you to come to this truth: You are NOT the one in control of your life, He is.

It's unfortunate that it takes many people to have a real crisis in their lives before they will reach out to the super being of the ages, the Lord God Almighty. He can bring so much peace and love to your life right here and right now, you don't have to wait for the turbulent weather to set in. But most folks do. They wait until they've run out of what they consider to be all their own options and then they say, "OK, I guess I could ask for prayers, or even pray myself."

Want an example? How many people do you know that went to church for the first time in a long time or even for the first time ever after the 9/11 attacks? They wanted help from someone higher than themselves. That was the darkest time this generation has ever seen. Everyone felt lost and scared to death. None of us knew what was going to happen next. We felt destitute, alone, frightened, and didn't know which way to turn.

                                                                  We all feel like this sometimes, don't we?
  
We knew we needed help from someone than ourselves and we reached out in record numbers to the Lord God. Psalm 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." And that is exactly what we did, we went to Lord, because we were in trouble and we knew it. But just as quickly as many sought refuge under His calming wings, they also fell away and it was back to business as usual.

But, why is that? Why does it have to be that way? This life can get so very messy. Wouldn't you like to have someone in your corner, no matter what happens? Jesus wants to be your "go to" guy. He wants to be your BFF (best friend forever for those who aren't hip.) and He will never leave your side. Matthew 28:20 is one of the Lord's greatest promises:  "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." It's us in our rebellious ways that leaves Him, He never leaves our side.

                                                                     He wants you to come home to Him

So, if you are going through a trial in your life right now, there is a reason you are and He knows exactly what it is and how to get you through to the other side. He's waiting for you with open arms. He wants you to reach out to him because He will be there for you. John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." 

Ever heard the saying: No God, NO peace, Know God, Know Peace? It really is true. Run into the shelter of His arms and you will find peace like you've never had before!

My verses for today are above in red
My prayer for today:

Dear Heavenly Father:

Thank you for another beautiful day. Thank you for opening my eyes this morning. Lord, help me to turn to you for everything. Jesus, you are my best friend and I know you will never leave my side. Help me to stick with you and seek your will for my life. I thank you for all my many blessings and know that they all come from you. Be with me as our family begins this New Year, always seeking You and Your peace.

In Jesus name I pray,
Amen