Still Blessed

It’s been said that in life we are either coming out of a storm, in the middle of a storm, or headed towards a storm. In other words, storms can’t be avoided. It doesn’t matter how well off we are, or how blessed we are. It doesn’t even matter how well we plan for a rainy day. We will all face storms. We will be tested. But, I have found that our response to the storm dictates whether or not we still find joy in life.

Just the other day, we were hit with some bad news, and my first thought was, there’s always something. Have you ever felt like that? Like something always has to go wrong. Like you can never just live a stress free life…a life of peace?

That was my sentiment the other day. Why can’t we just live a blessed life? Why does something always have to go wrong?

We must understand that storms are inevitable.

As believers, we sometimes expect God to shield us from the storm…to make sure that we don’t have to face difficult times. But that is not what He promised us. He never promised us a life without trouble. He promised that He will always be with us in the midst of trouble.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2 NLT)

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT)

What does all of this mean?

It means that He goes before us in the storm…ensuring that we have a way out. So, we don’t have to stress and worry about what to do. We don’t have to figure out a plan, because He’s already made the plan. He’s already made the way for us to get through the storm, and He’s made sure that it all works out for our good. But that’s not all.

God is with us in the storm.

And we can take comfort in this. He’s there to give us peace in moments of fear, stress, and worry. He’s there to give us joy, when all hope seems lost.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NLT)

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27 NLT)

Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. (Psalms 126:5 NLT)

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NLT)

How do we receive God’s gifts in the midst of the storm?

According to Philippians 4:6-7, we should pray about everything (especially the things that we worry and stress about). When we do this, we are then able to “experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.”

But, I also want us to understand the choice that we have to make in the middle of the storm. We can either choose to fixate on the storm, or we can shift our focus. We can decide that we want to enjoy God’s gifts instead.

We must make a choice in the middle of the storm.

The other day, as I thought about the bad news that we received, I stopped myself and made a decision. I decided that I wanted to enjoy this season of my life. I don’t want to spend my days, hours, and moments stressed, worried, or afraid. I want to experience the peace of God. I want to experience the joy of the Lord. So, I began to recount the blessing that I am currently living in. I reminded myself that God has done amazing work in my life. I reminded myself that He has always gone before me, and He will continue to do so.

In the middle of the storm, choose to live in the blessing.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. (Psalms 34:1‭-‬3 NKJV)

Maybe you're reading this and you’re thinking that I have no idea what you’re going through. And you’re absolutely right. But, I do know that you have something to be grateful for.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17 NKJV)

What has God done for you? Has He saved you from your past? Has He kept you from going down the wrong path? Has He blessed you with beautiful children or amazing friends? Maybe He’s blessed you with the ability to do something you love?

When my husband and I were separated, I faced the darkest and most difficult season of my life. I felt betrayed. I felt unloved. I felt alone. But in the midst of that season, I looked at my beautiful children and I was reminded of the goodness of God. I realized that although I was facing a monstrous storm, I was still blessed.

You are still blessed.

Yes, you may be facing a storm right now, but in the middle of that storm, make a choice. Decided that you will not allow this storm to control your life. You will not allow it to strip you of the joy that God has given you. And you will not allow it to prevent you from living in your blessing. Instead, take your joy back. Remind yourself that you are still blessed. You are saved; you are redeemed. You are His.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for going before me, and for never leaving my side. You have done so much in my life; so today, I am giving you all the praise that you deserve. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for redeeming me. Thank you for everything good in my life. Because of your goodness, I know that you are not done yet…so I will continue to trust you. I will trust you in the middle of this storm, and I will allow you to lead me through the storm. Holy Spirit, I pray that you would remind me of the gifts that are available to me along the way. I no longer want to focus on the trials that I face. I am making the decision to focus on you and your goodness, so that I can live the blessed life that you have given me. I love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.