Pearl Street Baptist Church

"A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.  When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified.  But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. 

(John 6:18-21 NIV)

            The announcement on the 6 o'clock news came recently: "Storm season is here."

            True, the most noticeable, physical storms come in the summer and the early fall!  But there are other kinds of storms as well. Along with those hurricanes, we are often hit by emotional and relation storms as well. And these can come year-round.

            Now just as we should prepare for weather-type storms, we need to ready for the other storms as well.  We can even use the official guidelines listed by National Hurricane Center (NHC) as guidelines for weathering spiritual and emotional storms. 

            Here they are. The NHC says to do four things: 1) Develop a Family plan. 2) Create a disaster supply kit 3) Have a place to go. And 4) Secure your home.  

            Let these guidelines be helpful in getting through the spiritual storms this way:

Develop a Family Plan. Come together as a family to seek God and His ways. Take time to pray, worshipand learn together. Share God's love as a family. Thus, when the storms come up (and they will), you will be standing together on a solid faith already.  

Create a disaster supply kit.  Make a point of placing God's Truths from the Bible into your heart before life's storms attack you. When you encounter the dark and stormy situations in your life, you will be able to use God's Word to give you spiritual light. Again, just like you need a first-aid kit at home, you need God's comfort and healing given by the Holy Spirit through His word.

Have a place to go.   Be sure that you, personally, are headed in the right, spiritual direction: towards heaven with Christ. Be sure you are following Jesus as your own Savior. And then do all you can to bring your family and friends with you.  And again, by all means do this before the storms burst forth.  

Secure Your Home.  In an actual hurricane, you may flee, or you may decide to stay and weather it out. In either case your house has to be strong enough. That's true spiritually too! As a home and family, work at building solid, spiritual lives. Encourage everyone in growth and strength spiritually. Then will your home will best stand in the storms of life.  (Mat. 7:24-25!) 

Prayer:  Lord, as the hurricanes of life come, thank You for the strength and peace You will give us.  In season and out of season, I will place my trust in you, and seek your calming Spirit. When I need to know the right course to sail, I will place your hand on the helm of my heart and let you guide my life to peace. In the Name of Jesus, Calmer of all storms, Amen.