As a child of God, I don’t know if we can truly ‘experience’ or perhaps if you prefer the word ‘appreciate’ The Faithfulness of God when all is calm and bright. In fact, often, I even forget to praise Him and thank Him for the calm and bright. “Do not be afraid of God, whatever He does with you.” Spurgeon

Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of his name! Tell the world how glorious he is. Psalm 66:1-2

It’s in the dark when a follower of Jesus draws even closer, humbly confessing our weakness and need for Our God. Our dependence seems more obvious to us in the dark, even though it always is. I am His and He is mine.

It starts out like this. “What the hell just happened?” Bam I’m caught in the storm. It comes in like a rage. I look around and proudly say “God, does anyone fear you? How does one live like this?” And He speaks and by God’s Grace I listen. “No one lives here but because I’m here, you will Live.” I respond with gratefulness, “Interesting reply Lord.” “I know Rachel, Trust me. Put your assurance in Me who will walk with you, I’m leading you in and we will walk out together forever.” And so I’m reminded I’m ‘In Christ’. My assurance rests in my status, Whose I am. I’m Bought by His blood, I’m adopted into His Family. I’m redeemed, restored renewed, reconciled to The Father, whom shall I fear? Humble Confidence arises and I’m at Peace – even in the storm. I was caught by the storm, but I’m not taken.

Anyone can be still in the calm, coolness of a summer breeze, cool sunset but what about in the eye of the storm? What does that look like?
In the ‘eye’, it’s often loud, chaotic, destructive, humbling and excruciating. You are in it not because you got dragged in but because of Love. That’s where Jesus went. He wasn’t afraid of the mess, he wasn’t afraid of the sins, He wasn’t afraid of the aches , pains, and afflictions that are caused by the shards of glass, the tree branches, the broken pieces bringing destruction to the situation. He healed it inside. He didn’t do it from a distance. He went in willing and with assurance of His redemptive plan, He Is The Redeemer. So on the other side of the storm it often looks like this. But in the storm, if Love is at the helm it still looks like this:

I am a pilgrim that isn’t sure where God will lead me on the earth, but I know He is For Me. And I know where my destination will be. I tremble with Joy and Adoration at the thought and meditation of Christ, The Risen King Jesus, Savior. He helps me stay here because of this heart of flesh. He owns it all. My Life is in His hands. He helps me remember and look Above even in the Eye of the Storm. Only an act of God can accomplish this.

In the fear of The Lord one has Strong Confidence and His children have a refuge. The fear of The Lord is a fountain of Life, turning a man from the snares of death. Psalm 14:26-27

Jesus responds to the temptations of the devil. “It is written, Worship The Lord your God and serve Him only.” Luke 4:8

In Christ Alone,

Rachel