An Anchor in the Storm

Several weeks ago I was listening to a sermon in which the pastor shared this quote. "In order to realize the worth of the anchor we need to feel the stress of the storm". Never would I have expected that less than three weeks later, I would be in the middle of not one but two of the biggest storms in my life. Life has been so difficult and almost unbearable the last two weeks beyond words. I have been sad, depressed, anxious, angry and lost with a sense of hopelessness. The challenges and struggles of my life thus far has not compared in weight to my current situation.

When we face storms in our life, when we take on the stress of those storms, our faith leads us to run towards the one who calms the storms or turn away. There is no middle ground. Someone once said our faith is like one in a boat; we are either moving towards Christ or away but never standing still. For every tear that has been shed over the last few weeks, I have searched and prayed for the anchor to hold me together in the midst of the storms. I have prayed countless nights for the peace that passes all understanding. I have prayed for hope that through this flood and fire, that Christ would be with me and never leave me alone.

I have done everything that I encourage others to do when they struggle and when they face their own storms. I have listened to my own advice. But it still hasn't been easy. I don't have all the answers and I am not the teacher when it comes to this but as the student, I would share these thoughts with you from the last couple of weeks:

1) God is good, God's ways are good and God is working all things for good. God is working in our waiting. We may not always feel this but God is working in ways beyond our own understanding.

2) Because of truth number 1, with time comes perspective and healing. We can't understand how time gives us perspective and healing until we experience it. Time is something we can't rush. In a world that has wired us to "on-demand living" the storms in our lives do not follow the same path. The more we can let go of the things that are beyond our control and focus on that which is within our control, the more we will experience a new view on our situation.

3) Take care of yourself. For me, the last few weeks has included leaning on those who love and support me in my life. For me it has meant seeking professional help. There's nothing wrong with that. Most people need to seek some sort of counseling at some point in their life. Seeking helps doesn't mean you can't handle things, it means you have the maturity to know when things are beyond your control. For me, it has also meant going away, getting out of my normal routine. For me, that's camping.

Whatever storms you may face or are currently are facing, know that you are not alone. Standing with you is a God who loves you beyond your own understanding. Peace, be still!