What did you do to prepare for the blizzard across Pennsylvania this week? The news media made a lot of good suggestions like charge your cellphone, have plenty of batteries available, use flashlights instead of candles, do not use a gas stove as a source of heat, have food and water stored and ready, along with many others. All of these suggestions are things to do in preparation for a storm before it strikes.
Our family did not experience a power outage during this storm. We just had the joy of digging ourselves out of the piles of snow, but we were prepared. While preparing for the storm, I thought about preparing for the storms of life... the difficulties and challenges that catch us off guard and seem to leave us flat on our backs gasping for air.
Two things came to mind. First, all of Psalm 46, but I will only include 1-3, 10-11 here: "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. 'Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.' The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold."
The second is an old song by Steve Camp called "Hiding Place".
In the distance I can see the storm clouds coming my way,
And I need to find a shelter before it starts to rain.
So I turn and run to You Lord, You're the only place to go
where unfailing love surrounds me when I need it most.
You're my hiding place.
Safe in Your embrace, I'm protected from the storm that rages.
When the water's high and I run to hide, In You I find my hiding place.
Once again, it is difficult to be ready for the storms of life if you do not prepare for them before they hit. Do you know how to prepare for the coming storms? Well, the most important thing is to have an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. Without that, any difficulty in life can be tougher to bear. To maintain that relationship, as with any relationship, you must spend time getting to know Him. Take time to read His word-the Bible, and find out His plans and desires for your life. This might sound hard, but it does not have to be. Start off small. Everyday set aside fifteen minutes to be alone with Jesus. Spend five minutes reading in the Bible (the gospel of John is a good place to start), five minutes praying, and five minutes being still and listening. If you find that you need more time, increase the time. Whatever you do, start today. Do not wait for the storm to hit. If you do not have a flashlight ready and available with the electric goes out, you could be in the dark. It can be the same with the storms of life.
The LORD bless you with wonderful times of refreshing as you develop your relationship with Him.
I love you,
Ruth
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