Storms! by Dan McDonald

Hail, snow, ice, rain, flood, fire, wind, sleet, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, cyclones, thunder, lightning, and many more are words we use to describe nature's storms and disasters. No matter who we are or where we live we have all experienced one or more of these. The Bible tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust...no one is exempt from the elements of the atmosphere. The same is true of "spiritual" storms or disasters in our lives. Saved or unsaved everyone will face a valley of despair. The question is, are we prepared? We must first know and understand that God's presence is all over the face of the earth and there is no place I can go where I don't feel it. Therefore, He is aware and even orchestrating the trials I face. This is quite a difficult concept for some to accept - I'm reminded of a song written by Matt and Beth Redman that echo the words of King David and is such a comfort when facing a situation too devastating for me to accept:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
Your perfect love is casting out fear.
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life,
I won't turn back, I know You are near.
And I will fear no evil, for my God is with me.
And if my God is with me, whom then I shall fear?

Oh no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go, in every high and every low.
Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me.

It's wonderful that these words, although not new (Ps. 23), can be repeated over and over as a song of comfort and peace. I can rest assured that my Savior's arms are there to protect and guide me through worst of times and yes, even the best of times!