You are your own storm. You have the power to decide whether you will let the rain drown you or water the flowers of your mind.
Life is painful. It is confusing and unfair. It is full of pain, heartbreak, death, and sickness. It brings depression and anxiety, anger and fear and sadness. And yet, it also provides delicious food, mesmerizing skies, beauty, laugher, excitement, and love.
There will be days when life does not feel worth living, when all you want to do is sink deep into an ocean of your own tears, and drown there. And there will also be days in which you feel as if you are dancing around in a world of bright colors and utter serenity. Whichever day life decides to throw at you, catch it and embrace it fully. Scream as loud as your voice will allow you and cry every last tear. Laugh until your stomach hurts and smile until your face freezes that way. Whatever emotions come up, allow yourself to feel them in all of their entirety.
We were given emotions so that we could feel pain and joy. So that we could struggle on the days that push us to our knees as we cry out to God for help, because we simply would not get through the hard days without Him. So that on the days that we feel like we are floating, we can look to Him to keep us grounded and glorify Him in all He has given us.
I once heard Ben Foote, teaching pastor at Flatirons Community Church, say that God does not promise a storm proof life, but He does promise a storm resistant life if we choose to live alongside Him. I think about this often and it humbles me each time.
We live in a world that is filled with sin, because of this, we simply cannot escape hardship and heartache. Yet, we can choose to allow the storms that come, to make us stronger and bring us closer to the God who created us. Or, we can choose to let the storms of destruction do just that, destroy us.
The first and most important step to a storm resistant life, is giving your heart to Jesus and choosing to live for Him and not worldly treasures that will eventually fade. The next step is to be aware of your thoughts, as your mind is the easiest way that the devil can tear you down if you are not on high alert. Spend time with God every day and give all of your emotions to Him. Pray for healing of your heart and mind so that you may become stronger. Pray for peace and joy even amidst the most destructive of storms. Pray for forgiveness, patience, love, and a holy desire for more of Him.
Life is filled with uncertainty, but God.
“Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22).
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
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