The Other Side of the Storm

It was just a month ago:

I was sitting here browsing through my seed catalogs. One of my greatest joys of early Spring is imagining what to plant and getting my orders together. The birds had arrived, the grass was already turning green. Life was normal. Everyone around me went to work and school in the morning. They came home at night, they sat on their porches, they walked their dogs. They strolled up and down the streets and many of them went to church on Sunday. But not NOW…

NOW, my entire neighborhood is tucked away in their homes. Just like me, they are looking out their windows, waiting for the storm to pass. The reason they are looking out their windows; they are waiting to see what’s on the other side of this storm. They are uncertain if they can trust tomorrow.

Who would have thought a tiny virus could have stirred up such a whirlwind of a storm. Certainly not me. Storms come along in life all the time. We adjust, right? But this IS something different, it is unlike anything any of us have ever experienced. We don’t understand it. To some degree we don’t even understand how it got started. But mostly, we want something solid to hold onto, we are looking for hope to get us to the other side of this storm. Truth is, we already have something solid to hold onto:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart” may sound way too simple, but in truth it takes effort. When there’s negativity going on all around it is easy to lean in to that way of thinking, especially if fear has kept you looking in the direction of the storm. But our trust and hope is in the Lord, who never gives up and He never leaves you to try to figure it out for yourself. One of the gift’s of God’s Word is we need not depend on “our own understanding.” Isn’t that a relief?

That doesn’t mean we don’t pay attention to guidelines set before us, we want to remain safe. But our trust, our faith, and certainly our hope is left in the hands of a mighty God who has the advantage of seeing above, below, and around the chaos, directly to the path of light on the other side of the storm.

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 NIV

10 Comments

  1. Bruce Becknell on March 24, 2020 at 11:28 am

    What a tremendous reflection of today and calming reassurance of His presence. Thank you!

    • Regina Becknell on March 24, 2020 at 10:11 pm

      Your so very Welcome! That calming reassurance from the Lord is so very precious right now.
      You have a blessed day,
      Regina

  2. Jeanie Affatato on March 24, 2020 at 11:43 am

    Peace in the time of storm through our Lord Jesus Christ our rock our refuge. ❤️🙏Aunt Jeanie

    • Regina Becknell on March 24, 2020 at 10:14 pm

      That is so true! That calming peace from the Lord is a gift that we appreciate now more than ever.
      Sending you a hug…stay safe and be blessed,
      Regina

  3. Jackie Miller on March 24, 2020 at 12:11 pm

    A good reminder for all of us. We need not worry if we trust in our Lord and Savior. Thank you, as always, Regina.❤

    • Regina Becknell on March 24, 2020 at 10:22 pm

      True, we need not worry if we trust in our Lord and Savior. His Words are always true. I have to say, I also appreciate having others, like you Jackie to keep me encouraged. God has been good at adding to His promises with a pat on the back that comes from others.
      You have a blessed day and be safe,
      Regina

  4. Virginia Puckett on March 24, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    So true! A reminder I needed in the midst of this crazy chaos. Thank you! Take care. Stay safe.

    • Regina Becknell on March 24, 2020 at 10:24 pm

      It has been crazy! But the truth of God’s word keeps us steady. Thank you for your encouraging words. It was good hearing (texting) from you today. Your are an inspiration and you have great timing.
      You be blessed and be safe,
      Regina

  5. Nora B. Bays on March 25, 2020 at 12:10 am

    Thank you, Regina. We need reminders, especially in troubling times, reminding us that God is in control. He needs to get our attention, keep us focused on Him.

    • Regina Becknell on March 25, 2020 at 12:20 pm

      Staying focused sure isn’t easy… but as crazy as things can get it seems He often slips in just the right bit of encouragement in the midst of these unexpected events and often at just the right time. I love how He does that! I hope you are staying tucked in and safe…
      Sending you Blessings today,
      Regina

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