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Finding Peace in the Storm

Rachel Wojo blog for hurricane Florence

I’ll never forget the day our family buried my mom. I remember wishing that the overcast sky would better reflect my emotions if it were rolling with fierce clouds and flashes of lightning. The thought seemed strange at the time. Not many people wish for storms. No, we typically choose to avoid them at all costs. But that day, the world had spiraled out of my control and I could do nothing to change it.

While the emotional storm raged on without my consent, my heart also felt unexplainable peace. Faith was at the helm.

If you’re facing a storm right now—a hurricane, tornado, or life-changing event—I know your world is spinning right now. While it’s hard to stay present amid anxiety and worry, and when, things seem out of control, just remember: God is always in control. He is with you wherever you are, and His peace passes all understanding. I’ve learned to turn to His promises and prayer when storms threaten.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
—Isaiah 26:3

Father, I need you. I need your Spirit to fill me with peace. There is nothing more that I can do today. Physically I am exhausted. Mentally, I am depleted. Emotionally, I am overwhelmed. But You—You are ever present, never-changing, always offering peace. It is You who keeps me, You who sustains me, You who holds me in your hand, never letting go.

It’s amazing how one verse of Scripture I’ve read a hundred times comes alive again in the presence of the Holy Spirit. As I begin to meditate on each word, thoughts of peace begin to overtake my thoughts of chaos.

God, it is Your Peace that is perfect. It’s not something I can create by lighting a candle. It’s not something I can generate through reconciling differences or exercising more restraint. Your peace knows no boundaries. It has no limitations. There is no divide so large that it cannot span. There is no wall so vast that it cannot break down. Your peace is all-powerful, all-consuming, and all-encompassing. It is perfect, and I can’t wrap my mind around it entirely. But I’m so thankful for it.

God’s Word is truly living and active. What was applicable to the prophet, Isaiah, still applies today. Isaiah knew that fixing his mind on God’s incredible strength would saturate his heart and flood it with peace.

Isaiah 26 is a powerful song of praise that declares the peace-keeping authority of almighty God. When the people of Israel chose to fix their minds and hearts on God’s will and plan for them, then peace permeated the land.

Heavenly Father, would You shift my eyes from the storm to Your strength? When I feel like I can’t handle any more turmoil or tumult, focus my perspective on Your sovereign grace. Channel my reflections to Your promises of mercy. Steady my thought stream and cause it to flow with Your abundant, supernatural peace.

I can’t claim to be an expert on trusting God through all circumstances. But at the end of long days, I don’t know any other way except to whisper to God to help me trust Him more. You see, a terminal diagnosis hovers in my home. My daughter suffers from a neurologically degenerative disease and the hands of time appear to be ticking off more quickly for her than the rest of us. She’s already lived beyond the predicted number of years. Each day, the storm threatens to steal our peace. Thankfully, my peace doesn’t rely on our abilities or circumstances or situation.

“When you are feeling weak, don’t waste energy worrying about whether you can cope with the challenges you face. I know better than you what is on the path before you, and I stand ready to help—every step of the way…Because you are Mine, I want to bless You with My Peace.”
Jesus Today, Day 95

The peace of God transcends over every circumstance, mine or yours, no matter how big or small. And it all comes from Him. When we can’t feel His peace, it doesn’t mean it is not there. It simply means it’s time to ask Him for help. He is always available.

God, I trust you to provide supernatural peace beyond what I can understand. I trust you to be the One who is in control of all things. The One who loves us beyond our capability to comprehend. The One who listens to all our distressed cries and distraught prayers. The One who supplies perfect peace through the fiercest storms.

Rachel Wojo

Rachel Wojo Jesus Calling blogRachel Wojo is the author of One More Step: Finding Strength When You Feel Like Giving Up. Her popular daily Bible reading plans on rachelwojo.com have reached over 5 million people.  Rachel and the love of her life, Matt, run to the rhythm of 7 children in Columbus, OH. 

16 thoughts on “Finding Peace in the Storm

  1. Thank you Rachel for inspiring a sense of calm in my mind. I really enjoyed reading this. Prayers for a peaceful day to your Taylor, you, and your family.

  2. Rachel, i truly enjoyed reading this. I will continue in prayer for your family. Our God is in the healing, sustaining and comforting business. Be continually blessed.

  3. Hi Rachel
    I’ve been doing your Bible study’s for a few months now. I really enjoy them.. Thank you for sharing them.
    I’ve never written before but Can ask for prayer with a few things please ? First, my children health and healing?
    As for me I’m drowning in the storm right now and the Hopelessness is draining the life out of me,
    Sometimes I’m ready to give up and I get confused in the spiral of heartache and pain. Even with knowing Jesus is with me I don’t know if it’s the size of the storm right now or the enemy but my depression and sadness is deep.
    Thank you Rachel .
    Robin

    1. Robin, Thanks for being a part! I am lifting you and your family up right now. I’m sorry that you are going through a storm, but the Lord is with you. You are His precious daughter and He loves you deeply. Please, will you reach out to someone close to you so that you can receive help? God loves to use others to help us in our times of distress. I’m praying that He’ll provide the courage you need to ask your pastor, a friend or relative, or a counselor for assistance in your time of need. I’m praying for his mercy and grace to be felt wrapped around you and for peace to enter your spirit. Amen. Blessings to you.

  4. Thank You for lifting me up today – reminding me that only God can give us true peace. I am
    also watching a terminal illness, “grabbing the life” out of my husband.. I have many family and friends praying with me for HIS Peace to reign over our lives. I am comforted by your thoughts and wisdom gained from our Powerful God! May HE richly bless your family as you move through this difficult journey with your daughter.

  5. My daughter passed away on a beautiful sunny October day. I remember how inconguious the weather seemed and how strange that the world continued to move when mine had stopped. Truly, the peace of Christ and believe in heaven is what sustained me that day and all of the days that have followed. May God continue to bless you with His peace.

  6. What a great inspirational story. You are able to captivate your audience with your writing that speaks right to our hearts on everyday matters. Keep up the good work!!! I love reading your books!!

  7. Wonderful. God is using you to reach many right where they are. I’m in NC. 3 weeks after my wedding at Ocean Isle I was to go back for honeymoon but Hurricane Florence. I live inland but a tree fell on my house and barely missed killing me. God is so good! Our house is many months from being fixed but I have sooo much to thank and praise God for! My neighbors on the coast are suffering immensely. I shared this on my fb because I hope some will read it and find peace. Love you, sister!

  8. My sweet daddy passed away last week. He was 95 and, after a stroke 2 years ago, life wasn’t fun anymore. He could no longer help people by repairing their mowers or mowing their lawn. I knew it was time to let him go.
    But letting go is not just an intellectual assent, it is also an emotionally charged release. That’s where he Truth of Scripture spoke peace into my storm. Physically spent after night watch at the hospital, the Psalms spoke peace into my heart and drew steady support from the Shepherd, my Rock, my Refuge and Deliverer.

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