Truths in the Face of the Storm 

We were watching with great concern and interest as hurricane Melissa hit the island of Jamaica recently. One of our daughters, who is ironically named Melissa, and members of her family had gone on a couple of mission trips in recent years helping out at a Christian children’s home on the western side of the island. We were praying as that area seemed to take the brunt of the powerful storm. As word came out afterwards, we were grateful to hear that everyone at the children’s home survived. However, the property suffered extensive damage. From the appearance of the “before and after” pictures, it looks like it will be a long road to recovery and restoration.

As I was in my office thinking about the folks dealing with that hurricane, my attention was drawn to the two plaques my daughter had given me as souvenirs from their trips to Jamaica. They were each created on that island and contain Bible verses. One reads, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Those Christians in Jamaica, as well as those of us who were praying for them, were trusting the Lord to be their protector and help through that storm. And we will continue to look to Him to give them strength as they move forward in their recovery efforts and in continuing the ministry God has given them. The other plaque reads, “In everything give thanks” (I Thessalonians 5:18). Maybe this command seems a little tougher under the circumstances. However, keep in mind that it is not telling us to give thanks for everything. That hurricane was not something to be thankful for. Nevertheless, we can give thanks in everything – in whatever situation we find ourselves in. There was still reason for thankfulness in spite of the hurricane and its aftermath. We can give thanks for the lives that were spared. And as bad as the devastation is, we can be thankful that it wasn’t even worse.

 Maybe we aren’t having to face any hurricanes today, but many of us are facing “storms” of various kinds in our lives. If we are not dealing with one today, there will be one coming at some point in the future. It is part of life. As we do, let’s keep the truths in those two verses in mind. God is our refuge and strength. He is our help in time of trouble. He is right there with us to see us through those times. Sometimes He diverts the storms from our paths. Other times, we get hit with the full force of its power. However, our God is faithful to protect us. And even if our lives get turned upside-down from such an encounter, we can trust the Lord to help us rebuild and to keep going.

We should also seek to have a spirit of thankfulness as we deal with our storms and their aftermath. No matter how bad it is, there are reasons for gratitude. Let’s not just focus on the negative aspects of our situation. Let’s not allow ourselves to get bogged down in the mire of what we have lost and the difficulties in moving toward recovery. We may need to grieve. However, we then need to realize how the situation could have been worse. Instead of letting worry and fear over the uncertainties ahead envelope us, let’s cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and trust as we move forward. Additionally, let’s be thankful for the opportunities these difficult circumstances present to us to manifest the spirit of Jesus.

I hope the believers in Jamaica will hold onto these precious truths that those plaques represent. And let’s do the same as we deal with our storms today and in the days to come.