Growing up in Great Britain, everyone talked about the weather. Even now, when I visit, it’s a guaranteed topic of conversation. Weather is the commonality that links people the British people and is always a safe topic for idle chitchat.
After a big storm, friends would often say something like, “That rain helped my garden … just what we needed to clear the air … did you hear the thunder last night?”
Nobody mentions the stillness that followed the storm. The attention is on what happened. People move on with their everyday lives, forgetting what has been. Of course, this cannot happen if the storm creates damage. Fences may need to be replaced, trees made safe, roofs repaired, and yards swept and cleaned.
Life storms––grief, divorce, children moving out, sickness, etc., often replicate the ones that occur in nature. They leave rubble in their wake.
My family spent this last summer dealing with hard things. It wasn’t just a storm, it was a hurricane which included illnesses, the death of a loved one, and copious amounts of time in another country trying to sort everything out. The eye of the storm has since passed, but we still need to sort out many emotional, physical, and spiritual issues as my husband and I care for our kids and each other and everything that hit us this summer.
As I reflect … sometimes all I can focus on is the resulting chaos. But, six weeks later, I’m finding new treasure among the rubble. For example, I thank God that:
- My mother-in-law passed over the summer, so all our family could fly out to support each other.
- For friends who dropped everything to help us clear a house in a limited period.
- For friends who repeatedly prayed and texted encouraging words.
- For the manager at a historic home we visited for a break away from it all. During a random conversation, she learned our daughter attended the same college she went to. She then reserved us into a booked-out restaurant and her team gave us complimentary food and drink.
- But most of all, I’m grateful that, in the middle of the storm, my emotions were anchored by God.
God didn’t take away the hard. Everything didn’t miraculously get better. But, my husband and I felt his presence as we faced the spirals of our season head-on.
When life hurts, we may wonder whether God is truly with us because it’s all so tricky. Even in the story of Jesus and Peter walking on water, it’s easy to get caught up in Peter’s lack of faith rather than focus on Jesus saving Peter. We read:
‘Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat the wind ceased.” Matthew 14:29-32 CSB
Yet, did you notice that the wind didn’t stop until they were in the boat? That meant as Peter began to sink, Jesus’ presence allowed Peter to walk back to the boat, on water, during the storm. The same Jesus gave me and my family the ability to walk through our hurricane even though, at times, I felt like I was cold, wet, and sinking. And the same Jesus allows you and your family to walk on water through the swirling and howling winds. The waves will not crash over you … Jesus is your support as you walk to the boat’s safety.
So, how do we deal with what comes after our storms and the chaos ebbs away?
Therapy, exercise, prayer, support groups, and journaling are all excellent starting points. Time does not heal. But, time provides perspective on emotions and feelings.
I find it interesting in Peter’s story that we don’t hear what happens next in the boat. We know the disciples praised Jesus. But what were Peter’s thoughts as the crew navigated to shore? Did Peter cry happy tears because he didn’t drown? Did Peter laugh hysterically because he was overwhelmed by what just happened? Did Peter feel ashamed because his faith hadn’t been enough? Did Peter stare blankly out at the suddenly calm sea?
And, what did Jesus do when was in that boat? The Bible doesn’t say. But if I were to hazard a guess, I think he would have sat down next to Peter and continued to hold his hand as Peter’s mind whirled with what had just occurred. And, when they reached the water’s edge, I believe Jesus would’ve pulled Peter to his feet and guided him to the firm shore of land along the sea of Galilee. Jesus didn’t let go of Peter. And he doesn’t let go of us, either.
Whether you’re facing the aftermath of a storm in your life, or currently in the midst of one, ask Jesus to walk you back to the safety of his boat.
One last thing about the boat that night. It didn’t just have Peter in it. It was full of the disciples, too. I’m sure one of them took a blanket and wrapped Peter in it as he stepped back in from his experience. As you face your season, who would throw a comforter around you? Each of us has access to friends, family, therapists, doctors, support groups, prayer warriors, etc., that Jesus provides and can work through. Don’t be afraid to ask others for help to clear up your life’s physical and emotional debris. Jesus doesn’t expect us to survive storms alone.
A love letter from God …
Dear lovely one,
I know you are cold, wet, scared, frightened, and feeling the weight of your worries and concerns as you navigate the storm around you. But know this, you will not sink or drown. My hand is already outstretched to you. Take it. I won’t let you go. You will walk this season with me. Together, we will face the storm in your life. I will lead you back to the boat, to your friends and loved ones who will support you through this season. And as we navigate to shore, I will wrap my arm around you, hold you tightly, and whisper encouragement until you can walk on land again.
I see you, my beloved; I love you.
And I am with you always.
Love, God