It Is Well

 

The final attack of Hurricane Harvey on August 30, 2017 on the Mandeville lakefront. The crashing of the waves and the power of the wind was humbling. Yet, even in the midst of the final breaths of Harvey, there were two bright spots in this picture. Blue skies appeared, giving hope to the storms passing. Notice the two very different shades of blue too. Each stunning in their own way. Even though my focus was on the power of the storm, looking up provided a hope of its passing.

The song, “It Is Well With My Soul”, was written in 1873 by Horatio G. Stafford.  Almost 125 years ago, I wonder what was going on in his life at the time he wrote this. My awareness of my soul status heightens when there is so much chaos in the world around me. Life continues to present struggle after struggle. Only when I retreat into the inner most parts of me does my awareness of God connection and His presence there in my soul bring any relief to the chaos. It is then the storms begin to calm. 

Having a solid connection to God stabilizes my soul.

This short parable of Jesus in Matthew 8 calms not just the storms around me but the storms within me as well. My faith in Him continues to grow as I see the evidence of His work not just around me, but within. I cry out to Him in faith, in my faith that is sometimes wobbling in the wake of life storms. Even in my small faith, His love for me (and you) is so great that He will command the winds of chaos that wreak havoc and the waves of fear that threaten to pull me (and you) under forever, to “BE STILL”. 

No matter how hard I attempt to create “happy” around me with beautiful places, good food, great company and the best of all earthly experiences, if my soul is lacking, the joy never connects. It gets stuck somewhere between “deep down in” and “the light in my eyes”.

The struggle is not always calmed around me, but I can always count on His voice to calm the storm within me and ease the fear that echoes the voice of the enemy. I have stood in storms so fierce, I was certain, drowning was inevitable. It was impossible to believe God would hear my cries for help.

But . . . He did.  

Jesus Calms the Storm

23Jesus got into a boat. His disciples followed him. 24Suddenly a terrible storm came up on the lake. The waves crashed over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 

25The disciples went and woke him up. They said, “Lord! Save us! We’re going to drown!” 

26He replied, “Your faith is so small! Why are you so afraid?” 

Then Jesus got up and ordered the winds and the waves to stop. It became completely calm. 

27The disciples were amazed. They asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” 

Yes, even the winds and the waves obey Him. 

It is with great peace deep in my soul, that no matter the storms on the horizon of my life, I confidently know my God is there where even the winds and the waves obey Him.

“Father, we come humbly before You. We ask for a healing from doubt and a release from the fears that keep us from walking closer with You. Even as we watch storms appear on the horizon, please give us the peace that passes understanding, help us to  remember Your promises to always be near and that our experiences from the past confirm Your presence is always with us. Forgive us when we struggle, thank You for the grace and redemption You shower us with. We love You, Lord. We praise You in our storms, past, present and yet to come. Amen.”

It is well,

Janet

Author: Janet Reeger

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