Calm in the Center of the Storm
Paul Overstreet, a country singer recorded a song called, “You are the Calm in the Center of the Storm.” This refers to a time when things are going bad that there is something to aid in the midst of the bad.
Troublesome times do come, don’t they? Perhaps you have experienced a great disappointment in your life. It could be the loss of a child, spouse, parent, sibling or maybe a dear friend. Maybe you lost a job that you’d had for a number of years and it is difficult since it has been taken away from you. It could even be a sickness that you have and it has left terrible tracks on your emotions. Maybe this sickness has caused constant supervision of the one you love. A bitter marriage may have finally ended in a divorce. The list is endless of the things that could happen.
When times like this come, what is your reaction? Do you blame others or perhaps even God for your woes? Do you become bitter and unfriendly to those around you? Or is it to seek understanding and endeavoring to grow closer to the Lord. I believe when these times come, we look for the calm in the center of the storm. Naturally, for the Christian, that calm is the Father in heaven who watches over us. He is able to keep us focused when all around us there seems to be nothing but trouble. He knows our every need and every problem we are experiencing. The Scriptures also teach us that, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)
When we read the Bible, we see that many men and women had needs that needed to be met. The One who can calm was there for them. David fled for his life but trusted God. Daniel faced hungry lions in a den and was delivered from them. Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nigo, were thrown into a furnace of fire and came out untouched. The apostles were in a storm on the sea and afraid. It was Jesus who calmed the torrent and brought calm to them.
All of God’s people suffer hardships of some kind. The ones who place their hope and trust in Him are the ones who will be victorious.
The next time you’re experiencing a bad time in your life, consider where the “calm” comes from and go to God.