September 9, 2019
Remember the account when I calmed the sea?1 My disciples were panicking and thought that they would certainly perish. But when they looked to Me for help, rather than looking at their circumstances, I came to their rescue in spite of the waves and the storm.
It’s the same for you. There are many waves, and you may even see storms brewing on the horizon of your life, but if you look to Me and the assurances of My love and care for you, of My wisdom to guide you, you will find the answers you need. These worries about the future are like the waves washing over you and your little boat. The situation around you is like a menacing storm. At times you might be tempted to think you will capsize.
If you will ask Me to calm the storm, I will. Or I will show you how to weather the storm. I will do it, just as I have always done it in all these years you have so faithfully trusted in Me. Remember that I am in the boat with you.
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Your life’s journey is like that of a ship out on the open sea. Sometimes the seas are calm and the sky is blue and the sun is shining, but frequently there are great gales, with massive waves, and angry dark skies. These are like the difficulties and challenges of your life.
Sometimes you wish that you could just tie up in port, in some safe and sheltered bay, whenever the dark clouds start building on the horizon. But I didn’t make your ship for the sheltered bay; I made it for the storms! I built it to withstand the storms and the crashing waves, so long as you face into the wind instead of trying to run and hide from it. And the more you face the storms, trusting Me and letting Me pilot, the more weathered you become, and better equipped to face the storms and challenges of life.
During the storms of life, the wind may blow so fiercely and the waves loom so high that you feel like you’re going to capsize sometimes. But meanwhile you often find that you’re being propelled onward in your life so much farther and faster than if you were on a flat and placid sea with not even a flutter of a breeze.
So bravely face the storm, and cherish the peace I give you in the midst of it. The storms will come, but know that I have the power to say, “Peace, be still,” when necessary, and most importantly, to steer you safely through each one, so that you come out on the other side so much farther along in your exciting journey around the globe, exploring new lands and bringing My light to the far corners of the Earth.
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During a storm, it’s easy to become preoccupied with keeping your boat steady and above water. That’s understandable. But never lose sight of the fact that I am at the helm of your boat. The key is seeing Me in all things—even in the wind and the waves—and then, in a spirit of faith, trusting Me to see you safely to the shore of victory, just as I always have.
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No matter what, you will always have My unconditional love. It will see you through anything. It will be a light in dark places, a compass when you are lost, an anchor to hold you fast in a storm, and a warm blanket to comfort you when you are alone and cold.
Treasure My unconditional love. Know that it doesn’t cost you anything‚ but has been freely given to you from someone who loves you to the core.
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My child, I am the Lord Who does not change. People and circumstances in your life continually change, creating undercurrents of anxiety. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm you, come to Me and praise Me that I am holding you ever so tightly. When the waves of life roll around you, cling to Me as the One Who never changes. I am Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Praise Me continually, especially during tumultuous times. When you dare to praise Me, I will strengthen your confidence in Me as your rock. I am your refuge and strength, a continual help, even during seasons of transition. I am your security. My presence goes with you through every changing season. Do not fear tomorrow; I am already there. I lovingly call you to new adventures. Change in your life doesn’t happen by chance. Nothing can thwart My plans for you, plans for good and not evil. In the midst of this changing world, I am constant and never change.2
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For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat.—Isaiah 25:4
Published on Anchor September 2019. Read by Reuben Ruchevsky.
Music by Daniel Sozzi.
1 See Mark 4:37–41.
2 Becky Harling, The 30-Day Praise Challenge (David C. Cook, 2013). For scriptures referenced in this passage, see Hebrews 13:8,15; Psalm 46:1,7; Job 42:2; Jeremiah 29:11.
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