Tag: <span>storm</span>


“…Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 NIV


The lights in the den flicker on and off twice, then total darkness settles over my house.  The alarm system makes the familiar fading beeping noise signaling power is lost.  No electricity is being transported to us on this hot, summer morning.

Dirty dishes wait by the sink to be loaded in the dishwasher.  Dust on the floor beckons to be vacuumed up.  Bacon and eggs are yet to be fried on the stove.  All this will have to wait.  No power equals no housework for me right now.

I grab my Bible, devotional book, and pen and walk to the dining room where the large window is casting bright sunlight onto the table.  I snuggle into the chair and spend the next thirty minutes delving into God’s Word.  My devotion speaks of God as the Healer of our brokenness-in our bodies, minds, hearts, lives, and relationships.  I read Scripture from James and Matthew and then talk to God, really talk to Him, pouring out my heart and soul, my worries and praises.

As my quiet time comes to a close, I feel rejuvenated.  My spirit is sparked, charged, as I am ready to take on the day.  It’s almost as if I have become electrified by being in God’s presence.  I am keenly aware of God’s power inside of me, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and saved me from the powers of Hell.

How awesome and ironic it is to think that I had to lose power to gain power from God.  I had to lose the electrical current flow to my home to realize how desperately I needed God’s power flow to me that day.  Having no electricity enabled me to take the time to be quiet and still for a little while, just soaking up God’s love and presence as I learned more about Him.  By spending time in prayer and studying the Bible, He equipped me with the energy, encouragement, and love needed to face the day.  By being power-less, I became power-ful, through Him.

God has a unique way of getting my attention sometimes.  I am so thankful He cares enough to continue to pursue me and guide me in the right direction, even as I am surrounded in complete darkness with countless chores to be completed on my to do list.  He shows me there is always time to be still and know that He is God, in all circumstances.

Heavenly Father, You are my Creator, my Friend, my Redeemer.  Thank you for the many blessings You give me daily, especially the opportunity to talk with You and share my desires, burdens, and requests.  Guide me in resolving to make spending time with You each day a priority.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

By Alisha Ritchie
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•  HE IS! A great poem

•  God is Bigger than all my Problems

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Alisha Ritchie Thoughts by Women

What image comes to mind when you hear the word “Peace”?  Is peace possible in the middle of your storm?


Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!”
Habakkuk 3:17-18

Is peace possible in the middle of your storm?

What image comes to mind when you hear the word “Peace”?

Maybe it’s a tranquil place such as a green meadow with a trickling brook where the birds are singing, the sun is shining, and everything is pristine. Maybe it is simply the absence of chaos. Maybe it is what you are wishing your life was like right now.

What kind of peace are you pursuing?  Absence of trouble and hardship? My friend, this kind of peace will always be just beyond our reach. It will slip through your fingers like sand. What if peace was more like a place of refuge during a raging storm? Could it be that the peace Jesus offers is not the absence of trouble, heartache, and brokenness, but the peace we are given in the middle of our mess?

A few years ago, I came across the above verses tucked back in the obscure book of Habakkuk, found near the end of the Old Testament. They took my breath away. What kind of a person says this in the middle of such horrendous devastation?

I believe the author of Habakkuk is telling us where true peace is found. It isn’t the absence of chaos, but rather knowing where to go for sanctuary in the middle of it. This kind of peace is easier to grasp in the difficult times if we have made a habit of being with our Lord in the easy times through prayer, Bible reading, and quiet times alone with Him.

Are you willing to embrace the peace that Jesus offers ? shelter in a time of storm, refuge in the chaos, and sanctuary in the middle of the mess?

Lord, I am constantly wishing my life to be trouble free, but that was never what you promised. You promised your presence and your peace. Teach me to trust You and to take shelter in the shadow of your wings. Amen.

By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

• Stepping Into a Personal Revival

Dealing with Inner Turmoil

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Kristi Huseby Thoughts by Women