Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the "storms" we face in life. When I say storms, I’m talking about those difficult periods—times when everything feels uncertain, when we lose control. I’ve personally been through these moments, and today, I want to share four lessons that have helped me navigate through them.
1. Storms Happen to Everyone
One truth that’s hard to accept is that no one is exempt from life's storms. As human beings, we tend to be logical. We’re taught that if we follow a certain path, things should go according to plan. We think, “Because I do this or plan that, I will achieve these results.” But life doesn’t always follow this neat formula. The Bible reminds us that we will go through difficult times, and often, we won’t be able to predict them. We won’t have control over the next move.
In John 16:33, Jesus says, "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Life’s path is not linear, and storms are inevitable. But just because we don’t control them doesn’t mean we can’t grow through them.
2. Be Calm
« And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow [...]»
Mark 4:37-38 KJV
How many bad decisions have you made because you were too emotional? It’s not wrong to feel emotional during hard times—after all, we’re human. But when our emotions start driving every decision, it becomes problematic. James 1:19 teaches us, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."
Jesus is our model of calm during life’s storms. When a great storm arose as He and His disciples were crossing the sea, the disciples were filled with fear and panic, but Jesus was asleep in the boat, completely at peace. Even when they woke Him, terrified, He calmly rebuked the storm and it obeyed His command. "Peace, be still," He said, and the storm ceased (Mark 4:39). This example shows us that even in the midst of chaos, Jesus remained calm and in control.
We are called to do the same, following His example. Being calm in the midst of a storm means processing the information you’re facing, just as Jesus processed the panic of His disciples and responded with peace. This might take time—an hour, a day, a month, or even longer. Take the time you need to digest it. If you need to scream, scream. If you need to cry, cry. Even Jesus, the Son of God, wept. So why shouldn’t you? If you feel the need to talk to someone, do so.
Processing your emotions is important, but don’t rush the process. As you take this time, it leads to the next critical step: talking to God.
3. Talk to God
While you’re in the process of digesting your situation, lay your burdens at the feet of God. He promises us rest in the midst of our hardships. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Imagine Christ as a doctor who travels to a remote tribe to offer healing to those suffering from disease. He possesses all the knowledge and ability to heal, but the people refuse His help, preferring to deal with their pain on their own. Despite His deep desire to help, the doctor cannot force them to accept His care. Instead, He waits patiently, ready to heal the moment they turn to Him.
In the same way, Christ’s heart is full of compassion for us. He longs to heal and restore us, but He will not force His grace upon us. When we bring our pain and struggles to Him, He takes joy in offering us His peace and mercy. Like the doctor, He is most moved when we trust Him with our brokenness, knowing He alone can provide true healing.
Open your heart to Him. Cry out to Him. Just as David, who was called to be king of Israel, cried out in the cave of Adullam, pour out everything you’re feeling before God. In moments of anguish, David wrote Psalm 142: "I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble." God invites us to bring our pain to Him, knowing that He will meet us with comfort.
This isn’t a passive act. It’s a direct encounter with the One who controls the storm, reminding us that we’re not alone.
4. Press Forward
One of the hardest lessons in the storm is understanding that staying still, waiting for a miracle without any action, won’t help. You must keep moving forward. Think of a soldier in the midst of battle—they don’t stop because one comrade has fallen. They press on, knowing there’s a victory to claim.
I had a dream that vividly illustrated this truth. I saw a boy in a canoe—it was me. I was navigating toward Jesus, and His cross radiated with a brilliant light. The devil attempted to reach me, but he couldn’t break through the protective bubble that surrounded me. However, he then placed an object in front of the canoe, and that distraction caused me to lose focus. In that moment, the devil was able to attain me.
This dream served as a powerful reminder: we must keep our eyes on Christ, no matter the difficulties or distractions that come our way. When we remain focused on Him, we continue to move forward, shielded by His protection. But when we allow distractions to take our attention, we risk losing that focus and sinking beneath the weight of life’s challenges.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to "seek first the kingdom of God." The word “seek” is an active verb—it means to pursue, to move, to act. Even in times of hardship, when discouragement and sorrow overwhelm us, we are called to keep moving. Jesus also reminds us in Matthew 6:27, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Worry won’t solve anything, but action rooted in faith will.
Moving forward doesn’t mean denying your pain; it means trusting that God will guide your steps, even in the darkness. There’s purpose in pressing on, and as we seek His kingdom, we align our lives with His will, trusting that He will see us through.
5. Be thankful (Bonus)
« And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. »
Job 1:21 KJV
I said four things, but I wanted to add a fifth element to put the cherry on the cake and bring everything full circle—Thanksgiving.
One of the most striking examples of thanksgiving in the Bible is found in the story of Job. After losing everything—his wealth, his children, and his health—Job's response was not one of anger or bitterness. Instead, he humbled himself before God and uttered the words, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21).
Job’s behavior teaches us a profound lesson in faith: even in the most devastating storms, we can still choose to bless God. Thanksgiving in these moments doesn’t deny the pain or the loss—it acknowledges that everything we have is a gift from God, and it reflects a deep trust in His sovereignty.
Thanksgiving changes our perception of life. It makes us see things in a beautiful way and pushes us to see the cup half full instead of half empty. During this period, thank God more than ever. Write it down, and thank Him for everything you can think of. Please thank God.
We can't fully comprehend God or understand why He permits some situations in life. But one thing is certain: He loves us. He really loves us. You're worthy of His own life. Don't forget it.
Conclusion: The Light Beyond the Storm
Storms are a part of life. They come, often without warning, and test our faith, our emotions, and our strength. But as we navigate through them, we can find peace in the midst of the chaos by staying calm, trusting God, and continuing to move forward with faith. Thanksgiving, too, changes our perspective and fills us with hope and gratitude, even when we don’t understand everything.
Remember: no storm lasts forever. In Christ, we have the promise of hope and peace, even in the midst of life’s greatest trials. So when the winds rage and the waves crash, stand firm. God is with you—always.