Holding On To Jesus in the Storm
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 by Melissa McLaughlin

My gut wrenched. Tears spilled from my eyes. I was overcome as I scanned pictures of recent hurricane damage in the southeast U.S. Piles of rubble and jagged tree roots dotted the landscape where homes once stood. Roads had collapsed as the earth gave way underneath. The devastation looked surreal.

Further, the material wreckage provided but a glimpse into the human loss and emotional injuries. Many lost family members, lost jobs, have no communication, and still do not know if their remaining loved ones are alive.

Gratefully, disaster relief organizations moved in to begin the rescue and restoration process. Neighbors helping neighbors is a balm for the weary soul.

Where do we turn when the storms of life crush us?

Maybe your family was torn apart by the last hurricane. Or perhaps you are in the line of fire for the next one. Maybe you are worn down by an ongoing illness, debilitating stress at work, or piercing grief from a broken relationship or lost loved one.

No matter the storms we face, Jesus is our best hope.

What does Jesus say about tragedy and difficulties?

In John 16:33, Jesus reminds us to expect tribulation, and He offers Himself as our remedy. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 ESV).

Certainly, Jesus is our refuge and strength. Yet, how do we cling to Him when life’s winds howl?

Here are 3 ways to hold on to Jesus in the storm.

Remember:

1.Jesus is our suffering Savior.

Look to the cross. See His blood, sweat, and tears coursing down. Jesus endured agonizing pain, betrayal, and shame on the cross to atone for our sins and offer us eternal life. The transient joys of this fallen world cannot touch the gift of salvation in Christ. In addition, unspeakable glory awaits. Reframing our mindset with Scripture truth tempers the ache we carry in this earthly realm.

2.Those who are found in Christ will never be separated from Him.

We may lose our home, our health, our family, our community. And one day, our earthly lives will end. But nothing can take God’s love from us. Nothing can remove us from our place in God’s kingdom. Jesus’ divine blood purchased those gifts for us for all eternity.

Whether we struggle with the ravages of life or approach our final breath, Jesus will meet us there. Lean into Jesus and let Him carry you.

3.The God who made you is bringing you home.

This world is not our home. Though God provides countless blessings throughout our lives, the greatest blessing is Himself.

For many years, I could not understand this verse:

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (Psalm 116:15 ESV).

However, after maturing in the faith and studying Scripture, I now grasp the beauty of Psalm 116:15. The God who made you, who provides for you each day, and who died to save you, is welcoming you home.

Home is heaven. Where there is no more death, or sorrow, or sickness, or tears. Heaven is the place where we will be free from sin, both within and without. Where we will dwell in God’s Presence, surrounded by His love, holiness, goodness, and beauty. Forever.

That is a precious thought.

Eyes on Eternity

As we reset our minds on eternity, we can face today’s tumult with greater peace and strength.

Donations and Prayers

Please join me in praying for and helping those who are suffering. One organization my husband and I support is Samaritan’s Purse. They provide supplies and assistance to rebuild and even use everyday volunteers. There are many other trusted disaster relief organizations. I hope you can find one to support.

If you cannot donate or volunteer, please remember prayers are a great gift. Our prayers can do even more than our wallets or hands. The prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.

Please join me now in prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your steadfast love. Jesus, thank you for laying down your life to save us and bring us into the family of God. We praise you for we are safe in your arms forever.

Holy Spirit, bring comfort and peace to all who are hurting, grieving, recovering, or preparing for a storm. We pray for resources and help to be provided. Encourage and uplift each downtrodden heart. Please protect each one and hold them close. Help all of us hold on to Jesus when the storm waves rise and rest in your unending mercy and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 NIV

Spiritual Life

Join author and teacher, Melissa McLaughlin, and grow in Truthful Grace as we ignite the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit in our hearts, minds, prayers and lives. Grow in Christ, grow in the knowledge of His Word, the Bible, grow the passion in your prayers.

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