Finding Hope In The Storm

Anxiety. Depression. Physical illness. All these things combine and create one heck of a storm. I’m noticing, that although the storms still hit, and the waves at times are larger than ever before, God is strengthening my trust. This must be what it means to learn to sail.

What if every storm we face serves to bless us later on? What if all these things we endure are meant to bring us to a brighter and better future? Maybe we don’t have to be as afraid of the waves. Maybe we don’t have to worry as much about capsizing our ship (lives) and ending up stranded on an island. After all, a nice, tropical vacation sounds pretty lovely right about now.

I’m finding hope. Even in the darkness. And I see those beacons of light shining even brighter than before. This past week I’ve seen God use even my own despair as an encouragement to another who was deeply struggling with thoughts and feelings she couldn’t share with others. That pain, that struggle, God has allowed it to give me understanding.

Fearless Hope. Even here.

I’ve known the true depth of love from friends and church family. I’ve been met with understanding, compassion, and encouragement. Not just religious platitudes and “you’d better try harder,” but real, genuine compassion and love. I’m accepted for who I am.

I’ve been told I don’t have to apologize for my thoughts, my feelings, or my struggles. Yet they have patiently endured with me. Showing me, guiding me, to look at and find the light. In the darkness, God empowers His people to shine the light of His love.

I don’t exactly know what I’m trying to say. But through another storm, God has shown Himself to be faithful, He’s strengthening my trust. And though I know I’ll probably still be inclined to fear the next time, He’s slowly working in me. I think one of the most beautiful things is knowing that the rain is sent as a blessing, for us to learn and grow, for us to be tenderly loved by those God has so faithfully placed in our lives. Sometimes we need the storms to know we need to search for light.

And another thing, the world is so beautiful right after a hard summer rain.

What have you found to be helpful through storms in life? Do you find you recover stronger than you were before? I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences and/or stories. 🙂