Peace in the Storm | Kristi's Morning Devotional

December 6, 2020December 6, 2020

Overwhelmed

The last month of this year, 2020, continues to be challenging. Frustrating. Emotionally difficult. Even overwhelming.

Holidays and life in general can do that too us. Finances, health issues, family, new jobs, finals, relationships, scheduling, legal threats, loneliness…these things can be overwhelming.

“o·ver·whelm: bury or drown beneath a huge mass. synonyms: swamp, submerge, engulf, bury, deluge, flood, inundate, defeat completely, overcome, move, stir, affect, touch, strike, dumbfound, shake, devastate, floor, leave speechless” Any of those sound familiar?

I know a good number of people that have and are experiencing this. For some it is temporary and they are able to shake it off and regain a sense of stability and clear headedness but for others it can linger on.

I’ve been there but that was a long time ago! I have found the answer to being overwhelmed.

“Please listen, God, and answer my prayer! 2 I feel hopeless, and I cry out to you from a faraway land. Lead me to the mighty rock high above me. 3 You are a strong tower, where I am safe from my enemies.4 Let me live with you forever and find protection under your wings, my God.” Psalm 61:1-4 CEV

In another translation of this verse it says “when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I”. Jesus tells us the Word of God is our rock or a firm foundation! In and through God’s word we are able to gain victory over those things that seem overwhelming.

“What can we say about all this? If God is on our side, can anyone be against us? 32 God did not keep back his own Son, but he gave him for us. If God did this, won’t he freely give us everything else?” Romans 8:31-32. CEV

This ties in with what we were discussing yesterday. When we begin to understand the depth of God’s love for us – the all encompassing compassion that He wraps us in – we are no longer the victim of overwhelming situations but we become the victor. We aren’t isolated to fight alone; we have God on our side!

No longer overwhelmed. I’d like to pray for you now.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for all who are reading this and have been overwhelmed by circumstances in their lives. I don’t know them personally or their situations but You do. There is no time or distance in the realm of spiritual things so I thank you for touching their hearts, healing their hurts and bringing strength to their emotions. Your word states that “with God all things are possible”. I believe that and I pray that Your peace, the peace that goes beyond our natural understanding, will flood hearts now. I pray that they are no longer overwhelmed by circumstances but that their curcumstances are overwhelmingly defeat by Your love and power. Amen.

Was it you I was praying for?

Go to the Rock of God’s word. It will crush the attacks coming against you!

April 24, 2020April 24, 2020

In the Midst of the Storm

Have you ever been in a storm? I mean a real storm! An all-hope-is-lost time in your life? That’s what I was reading about this morning.

The Apostle Paul is prisoner on a ship headed for Italy. He had told the captain that they should stay where they were because the seas would be rough. However, things appeared calm and since is was late in the sailing season the captain didn’t want to lose any more time and they set sail.

But, the weather started getting rough…you know how it goes.

“But then a very strong wind called the “Northeaster” came from across the island. 15 This wind took the ship and carried it away. The ship could not sail against the wind, so we stopped trying and let the wind blow us…The next day the storm was blowing against us so hard that the men threw some things out of the ship. 19 A day later they threw out the ship’s equipment. 20 For many days we could not see the sun or the stars. The storm was very bad. We lost all hope of staying alive—we thought we would die.” Acts 27:14- 20 ERV

I have never been in a ship on rough seas and for that I am grateful but I’ve been in some other storms that caused me to lose hope; storms of financial devastation, storms of betrayal, storms of relationships. Not every storm has high winds, boisterous seas or floods of destruction.

Listen to what Paul said.
“21 The men did not eat for a long time. Then one day Paul stood up before them and said, “Men, I told you not to leave Crete. You should have listened to me. Then you would not have all this trouble and loss. 22 But now I tell you to be happy. None of you will die, but the ship will be lost. 23 Last night an angel came to me from God—the God I worship and belong to. 24 The angel said, ‘Paul, don’t be afraid! You must stand before Caesar. And God has given you this promise: He will save the lives of all those sailing with you.’ 25 So men, there is nothing to worry about. I trust God, and I am sure everything will happen just as his angel told me. 26 But we will crash on an island.” Acts 27:21-26 ERV

How can this be good news? First he started with I told you so and ended with we are going to crash…but be happy because none of you will die! They had been in this storm for 14 days. How long have you been in your storm? Be encouraged, although things around you may be destroyed don’t worry you won’t die.

“Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior. I gave Egypt to pay for you. I gave Ethiopia and Seba to make you mine. 4 You are precious to me, and I have given you a special place of honor. I love you.” Isaiah 43:1-4 ERV

Now look back at Paul.
” Just before dawn Paul began persuading all the people to eat something. He said, “For the past two weeks you have been waiting and watching. You have not eaten for 14 days. 34 Now I beg you to eat something. You need it to stay alive. None of you will lose even one hair off your heads.” Acts 27:33-34 ERV

Let me paraphrase what Paul said. Don’t worry, trust God and let’s eat and live.

Let God into your storm. Stop worrying, trust Him and live! Remember what Jesus said to another storm – “Peace, be still” and the winds ceased.

Praise God today for the end of your storm!

April 6, 2019April 6, 2019

Recovering From A Storm

Our last few days have been anything but quiet! You all know how much I enjoy the peace and tranquility that I have here in our neighborhood. It has been disturbed in a big way.

Some of you will remember we had a huge hail storm back in October. The hail was the size of golf balls and it pelted us for almost an hour. The trees and shrubbery were stripped of their leaves, cacti had holes shot through them and the cars were dimpled with hail marks. Window screens were shredded and one of our sky lights were broken. It was a hard storm.

What we didn’t realize until a couple months ago was damage had been done to our roof. First one neighbor and then a few others called their insurance companies to have adjusters come assess the effects of the storm. It was quite wide spread in our area. When we called, we found that our roof needed to be replaced because of the damage that had been sustained from the hail.

Two days ago the workers came and began stripping away the old roof. Our home is a flat roofed, Santa Fe style home. They spent all day peeling away the damaged roofing material. Yesterday they came and began laying the new roof. The banging, pounding, deconstruction and reconstruction was almost deafening. There isn’t a picture in the house that is hanging straight. Little bits of dirt and dust that had lived in the vents for thirteen years was now on my furniture and floors. David even put pillows under some of our hanging lights in case they fell.

After the workmen left yesterday I sat in the living room enjoying the quiet. The peace had returned. However, they will be back again today to finish the job. Sitting here my heart was filled with empathy for those who live in areas that are ravaged by floods, tornados, hurricanes, fires and devastating earthquakes; those who face complete loss while I only experience a few days of inconvenience.

These storms may destroy physical property and possessions but many experience the loss from storms that devastate their emotions, their sense of inner peace and their spiritual well being. In these cases it’s important to remember the one who can repair the damage and restore the peace.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on me. The Lord has chosen me to tell good news to the poor and to comfort those who are sad. He sent me to tell the captives and prisoners that they have been set free. ²He sent me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness, when our God will also punish evil people. He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, ³those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes. He sent me to name them ‘Good Trees’ and ‘The Lord’s Wonderful Plant.’

⁴Then the old cities that were destroyed will be rebuilt. Those ancient ruins will be made new, as they were in the beginning.” Isaiah 61:1-4 ERV

This was written about Jesus and told what He would do when He came to earth. He came to heal, deliver, comfort, bring freedom and rebuild. He came to restore us who have suffered loss and destruction.

“You, Lord God, bless everyone who cares for the poor, and you rescue those people in times of trouble. ²You protect them and keep them alive. You make them happy here in this land, and you don’t hand them over to their enemies. ³You always heal them and restore their strength when they are sick. ⁴I prayed, “Have pity, Lord! Heal me, though I have sinned against you.” Psalm 41:1-4 CEV

“I know what you are like! But I will heal you, lead you, and give you comfort, until those who are mourning ¹⁹start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the Lord, will heal you and give you peace.” Isaiah 57:17-19 CEV

I don’t know what storm you have been through. I don’t know the destruction that has come to your heart but God does! He comes with a promise of comfort, healing, restoration – peace. If, when, we come to Him he promises to give us peace and rest.

“Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest. ²⁹Accept my teaching. Learn from me. I am gentle and humble in spirit. And you will be able to get some rest.” Matthew 11:28 ERV

July 14, 2018

About To Sink

Think about this. You’re an experienced fisherman and you know how to handle yourself on the sea. You know the capability of your boat, the right tack to take through rough waters and how to use the wind to your advantage.

But tonight a storm comes up, one you didn’t see coming. No problem, you’re experienced, probably one of the best seamen around. However, you’re tired.

You’ve spent all day at a conference, an open air meeting, you’ve heard some things that could be life changing. Things you don’t want to forget and want to use daily to change the way you’ve been thinking and handling things.

But this storm…you’ve got to weather this storm, get some rest and then you’ll start applying what you learned tomorrow.

The weather started getting rough, the ship was being tossed (no, not Gilligan’s Island) and you’re taking on water. Everyone on board is doing what you tell them to do, they are all working together, except for that one guy who’s sleeping in the back of the boat.

That’s right. I said sleeping. He was the main speaker at the conference today and so I guess he must be exhausted but how can he sleep? The boat is filling with water, he’s getting wet and being tossed from side to side but still he sleeps. Doesn’t he care that you’re about to go under?!?!?!

Jesus! wake up. Don’t you care that we are about to sink?

“Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. His disciples woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re about to drown?” ³⁹Jesus got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. The wind stopped, and everything was calm.” Mark 4:38-39 CEV

Jesus was at peace and didn’t let the storm affect him. He was trusting God’s Word.

“Because you have made the Lord your safe place, and the Most High the place where you live, ¹⁰nothing will hurt you. No trouble will come near your tent. ¹¹For He will tell His angels to care for you and keep you in all your ways. ” Psalm 91:9-11 NLV

There are so many verses like this where God promises to be our protection and provision. Jesus knew He could trust God to be his protection. He wanted his disciples to have that same confidence.

“Jesus asked his disciples, “Why were you afraid? Don’t you have any faith?” Mark 4:40 CEV

He had been teaching earlier that day and told them that the Word is like seed and if you plant it, it will grow and bear fruit. But it has to be protected.

When they got in the ship, Jesus said to them, let us go to the other side. He didn’t say let’s go 1/2 way across and sink. Now here’s the kicker – handling our problems and applying “the Word” tomorrow when things are better and I can really meditate on it could be disastrous.

“The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. ¹⁹But they start worrying about the needs of this life. They are fooled by the desire to get rich and to have all kinds of other things. So the message gets choked out, and they never produce anything. ” Mark 4:18-19 CEV

Jesus had sown the Word earlier in the day. He said, “Let’s go to the other side”. Then thorns or the cares of this life, in the form of a storm, came immediately to choke the Word out. Jesus could sleep because He was care free. Peter and the others were panicked because they were care (worry) full.

What is causing you to be care full today? Find out what God’s word has to say about it, remove the thorns.

Go to the other side in victory!