Will God Anchor My Heart in the Midst of this Storm?
If there is one thing for certain in this life, storms do come. They come in many forms tearing at our hearts, minds and souls. Sometimes it seems the storms will never end with each one following the other like an endless hurricane season with almost no relief between.
I have been recently reminded of the depth of fear and turmoil that we as Christians may feel at times during this journey. Will editing and rewriting the third edition of Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley; I was carried back in time to those moments of despair and loneliness. Were it not so long ago? Widowhood, cancer, recurrent illness—Valley after Valley of despair with glimpses of hope in their midst. The glimpses were like flickering candles that were nearly blown out by the storms. I took myself there for perhaps two reasons. I wanted to give all of you, copies of that book—one section at a time. Yet, since the initial writing or even the second writing; I have grown spiritually and for that reason needed to give you the insight I have learned along the way. The second reason to take myself back there is it provides strength for my own journey. For certain there are still storms raging around me; but, how I see those storms has changed over the years. Anyway, the book is available to anyone who subscribes to my website. You will receive updates of each post. Be assured your email will not be given to anyone else. You can email me as well with your ideas, your critiques, your needs and your own storms. I would love to hear from you.
[bctt tweet=”God will anchor our hearts in His Faith and His Love when storms are raging.”]
WHEN STORMS ARE RAGING
Fear, panic, and anger fill our hearts when storms are raging around us. We cry out from our fear and pain with questions. We shout to God, “Why me?” At times, our faith seems to fail us as it crumbles into despair instead. Sometimes we are filled with guilt; perhaps our own sin has led us there. Much like the apostles in the boat when the storms would rage.
How quickly do we forget that He has been our anchor through every storm!! The apostles forgot each time. Still, each time Christ stilled the storm. Worse storms were coming after Christ’s death as the apostles would face persecution, pain and suffering while spreading the gospel. These early storms were preparing them for the mission they had been called for. Gently, patiently God prepared them.
GOD’S PROMISE
We are assured by God of this. He will be our anchor. Even when our faith falters; He holds us steady in the palm of His hand. Storms will still come and we will explore storms in more depth this week; but, for now, I want you to know God is not taken by surprise when we cry to Him in desperation or even anger. He is there with His arms open wide to comfort us and to guide us to a closer intimacy with Him. He knows that He is our only hope, our greatest treasure, and our genuine joy. He is prepared to walk with us every step of the way to guide us to that place of joy and peace no matter how rough the road gets along the way. We can be assured of that.
AN ANCHOR THAT HOLDS
“17 God also bound himself with an oath, so that those he promised to help would be perfectly sure and never need to wonder whether he might change his plans.18 He has given us both his promise and his oath, two things we can completely count on, for it is impossible for God to tell a lie. Now all those who flee to him to save them can take new courage when they hear such assurances from God; now they can know without doubt that he will give them the salvation he has promised them.19 This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, connecting us with God himself behind the sacred curtains of heaven, 20 where Christ has gone ahead to plead for us from his position as our High Priest,” (Hebrews 6 TLB). He will hold us. He is our faith when our fails us. He will complete the work He began in us. Do you know Him as Your Father? Have you accepted the atoning work of Christ as your only means of salvation? Have you accepted Christ as Your Savior? If so, you can rest assured that your anchor will hold through every storm. I know because I have weathered many storms with God as my anchor. His anchor held-that is Grace.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee… and he that formed thee… Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour (Isaiah 43). Why? God’s answer: “Because you are precious in My sight and honored, and because I love you” (Isaiah 43:4 AMP)
[bctt tweet=”God loves you You are precious in His sight He will anchor your heart in every storm you face”]
When the storms come and it seems impossible to pray; pray anyway.
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Listen to: Anchor of My Soul
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
Living Bible (TLB)
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. In fact, if you email him today with the words GIVE, he will give you a 50% discount. Our secret, shhh. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.