In the midst of the storm of life what or who do you run to for refuge? This isn’t a rare thing but a common human experience. There are many storms of life that each of us will encounter throughout our lives. The psalmist David answered this question this way.
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
“For the waves of death encompassed me,
the torrents of destruction assailed me;
the cords of Sheol entangled me;
the snares of death confronted me.
“In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I called.
From His temple He heard my voice,
and my cry came to His ears. 2 Samuel 22:3-7
Do you immediately and instinctively go to God when the storm hits? Have you trained your soul to cry out to Him? Have you trained your mind to hear His voice within your thoughts? Have you learned to filter out all the other voices cluttering your mind, so that you can hear His ‘still small voice’? Do you hear His whisper of grace and love? Do you hear His comfort? Does the Holy Spirit remind you of scriptures He has brought to your heart? Do you give Him time and still yourself before Him? Do you confess your fears to Him? Do you admit your doubts to Him? Do you recognize His mercy over your life?
“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30
Jesus really is there for us. Do you really believe when He says to you, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b
Do you experience the Holy Spirit in real tangible ways? Do you know when He is deeply touching your heart / soul? Do you ask Him to do that? We actually are physical beings … and SO is He!
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, Ephesians 3:20
Do you really believe that? What is that ‘power’? It is Him, the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit. Are you wanting Him to work within you? Are giving Him space to do that?
This is our path to Him… when we approach Him in surrender and humility with REAL gratitude for ALL He has done for us. Calm yourself before Him. Focus on Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to make Himself clear in your heart and mind. Set yourself to wait for Him. How important is He in your life? Is He actually your priority? Do your daily actions and words actually speak that Truth to all those around you? Are your words… His words spoken through the gentle fruit of the Holy Spirit?
Listen for His whisper. Recognize His Presence. Run to His heart.
The Apostle Peter says to you, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” 1 Peter 3:8
Jesus is most tender person I have ever met. How about you?