Life is sometimes a storm

We feel like we are in the middle of a powerful hurricane and it will not cease it’s damaging rampage. We are tossed and beaten from every side; or entire world appears to be coming apart at the seams and flying away from us.

The worse part may be the feeling that we have no control over what is happening to us, and that there is no hope for survival. The storm is simply too big for us.

The Psalmist wrote about this feeling in Psalm 69:1-3 “Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold to stand on. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched and dry. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.” (NLT)

David was telling God

1. The bottom has fallen out of my life

2. The pain is piling up

3. The end is near

4. The storm is bigger than I can bear

David was in a terribly strong and persistent storm in his life.

The good news for us is that our storms are not God’s plan for our lives! There is a better life waiting for you just past those dark clouds.

Jeremiah 29:11-14 “For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you," says the LORD. "I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you home again to your own land.” (NLT)

Your disaster is NOT God’s plan for your life. God’s plan is for your good – for peace, safety and health. God’s plan is for you to experience a bright future full of hope.

There is hope for restoration after the storm of your life. You can begin again!

Psalm 34:17-19 “The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous face many troubles, but the LORD rescues them from each and every one.” (NLT)

1. God hears you when you call to Him

2. God rescues you from life’s storm and delivers you to a safe place

3. God is close to you when you are experiencing pain and loss.

4. When you are broken He is there to put the pieces back together again.

5. We will have trouble as long as we are here

6. He has promised to rescue us each and every time

Prayer

1. For His comfort and peace

2. For the restoration of what has been lost

3. For the protection of our Great Shepherd

4. To feel His very presence in our heart and life

5. To experience and know God’s love more and more

Numbers 6:24-26 “May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.”

Pastor Bob Alderman

First Baptist Church

Rio Grande City, TX

brobob@brobob.org