A Shift in the Right Direction

He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29 (New American Standard Bible)

The disciples knew what it was like to be in the midst of a storm at sea. A storm that seemed to threaten their very lives and send them into a state of fear and panic. Their assumption was that Jesus didn’t care and wouldn’t help. But all of that changed when He stood and calmed the storm with the mere sound of His voice. They also knew the effects of having their internal storms calmed with His words of “Peace be still.” Whether it is a literal storm at sea or a storm in the midst of our internal world, we long for peace to come and “waves” to be hushed.

The most powerful storms I face in life are those of an emotional nature. I know when one is about to hit because I experience a shift in my moods, feelings, and thoughts. It may not even be a huge experience that brings the shift on but the effects are felt and I know too well the storm that will follow…one of darkness and distress. It is a pattern that I have grown use to but never comfortable with. I don’t like the spiraling. I don’t like the shift. The mere sense of one sends me into a state of foreboding because I don’t know how bad it will get or how long it will last.

Last night was no exception. The fresh realization that a severed relationship would most likely not be restored in this life caused the shift. It followed a few days of what seemed like clear sailing and I really didn’t want to experience another storm. What I didn’t realize was how God would show me something that would actually turn the tide. In the midst of a spiral He brought this thought to mind….if something or someone can shift me in a negative direction, He can certainly shift me in a positive direction. He who calmed the storms at sea could just as easily calm my storm. So I asked Him to do that for me and He did! Within moments the pull downward was stopped and I definitely felt a calm.

To say I was astounded would be an understatement. It was a turning point for me. As one who has known only how to ride out storms I am now seeing an alternative I failed to grasp before. I have no doubt that God will faithfully settle my heart when shifts happen and hush the waves of emotions when they come. The circumstances may not always change but my internal world will as I look to Him to shift me in the right direction.

Father, I have never known such calming. I look to You to do in me what I cannot do without You. Thank you for the stillness that comes from You. Amen.

Praise You in the Storm - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.