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How should we handle the storms of life?

How should we handle the storms of life?
Restoration Kingdom Living Christian Life

TL;DR:

Life’s storms are unavoidable, but they are never outside God’s control or care. When storms arise, we must anchor ourselves to Christ knowing that God uses even hardship for good.

what does the bible say?

Life’s storms are unavoidable, but they are never outside God’s sovereign care or control. God invites His people to find refuge in Him as their rock and shelter, strengthening them through prayer, His Word, and the presence of His Spirit (Psalm 46:1; Philippians 4:6–7). Rather than being surprised by suffering, we must remember that trials are part of a broken world, yet never without purpose (John 16:33). In the midst of hardship, faith shifts the focus from fear to trust, even when we cannot see the outcome (Matthew 14:30–31). God also uses storms to refine and mature His people, producing steadfastness and deeper dependence on Him (James 1:2–4; Romans 8:28). God equips believers with everything we need to stand firm in trials, even when there is a spiritual component behind it (Ephesians 6:10–18). Those who anchor themselves in Christ discover that storms do not destroy them but instead become places where God’s strength and faithfulness are most clearly seen.

from the old testament

  • Turning to God helps us to handle life's storms: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling" (Psalm 46:1-3; cf. Psalm 23, 27:1-3, 62:1-2, 91:1-2, 121:1-2).
  • Job's initial response to the calamity in his life is instructive: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). We will not always understand the "why" of suffering, but bowing our knee to God's will is the right reaction.
  • Asking God for the strength He has promised can help us handle the trials of life: "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).

from the new testament

  • Suffering is part of our broken world, especially for believers (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 3:12). But faith overcomes fear. After Jesus calmed a literal storm and His disciples' fears, He chided them for their lack of faith (Matthew 8:23-27). Peter discovered firsthand that we sink without faith (Matthew 14:30-31).
  • Prayer is the first line of defense against the troubles in life. Paul advised the Philippians, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7; cf. Philippians 4:13).
  • Handling the storms of life for believers involves a paradigm shift from asking, "Why me?" to understanding that God may be allowing our suffering for our good (Romans 8:28). James wrote, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4).
  • Some storms of life come from the enemy, and God has given us everything we need to stand strong against satanic attacks (Ephesian 6:10-18).

implications for today

Imagine being Peter, walking on water toward Jesus. How did the water feel under his feet? What went through his mind as he did the impossible? Matthew tells us Peter started sinking after he "saw the wind" (Matthew 14:30). For that second, his focus was off Christ and on the storm itself. That was enough to sink him, yet Peter's reaction was still the right one: "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14:30).

What do you do when you start sinking? Do you turn to alcohol or that other, more socially acceptable escape—Netflix? Do you call a friend or post your pain for social media "friends" to comment?

None of these things can help us deal with the storms in life as much as turning to God. He alone is good and in control. He alone knows our thoughts before we even know them. He alone can turn even disasters into purpose. And even when the storm does not stop, His presence does not leave. He is with us always and upholds us with His hand (Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 28:20).

And truly, we should already be turned to God before the storm comes. Daily meditating on God's Word and praying to Him for faith and strength prepare us for the storms of life that Jesus said we would have so that they do not surprise us when they do come (John 16:33). Though it is true that storms in life are inevitable, Jesus has also told us that He has overcome the world. Where are your eyes when they come? Focusing on Christ, on what He has promised us, will keep us afloat rather than adrift.

understand

  • Hardship is part of life, but God is our strength in times of trouble.
  • Focusing on God by meditating on His Word and praying can help us through the storms of life.
  • Christians can get through the hardships of life by recognizing that God can use even such circumstances for our overall good.

reflect

  • What do your thoughts when storms hit reveal about where your trust is placed, and what helps you realign your focus back on God in those moments?
  • How do your thoughts and reactions change when you intentionally shift your focus from the storm to God’s character and promises?
  • How do you seek to support others through their storms?

engage

  • Why is it important to anchor our ives in Christ before a crisis rather than only reaching for Him during one?
  • How can we actively help each other maintain faith and perspective when circumstances are difficult
  • How can believers' reactions to painful circumstances be a powerful testimony to the world?

More Resources

Christian Life How can we suffer in a manner that pleases God (1 Peter 4:19)?

How can we suffer in a manner that pleases God (1 Peter 4:19)?

Suffering that pleases God is about entrusting ourselves to a faithful Creator while continuing to do good, even when life hurts. God doesn't waste suffering and neither should we.
Apologetics Why does God let bad things happen to good people?

Why does God let bad things happen to good people?

Bad things happen to people because we live in a fallen, broken world where no one is truly good apart from God. Yet through suffering, God works with purpose, ultimately bringing good out of what seems hopeless.
Life What is a biblical perspective on suffering? What does the Bible say about suffering?

What is a biblical perspective on suffering? What does the Bible say about suffering?

Suffering is a hard reality in our world; it exists because of the general entrance of sin into the world. Despite the difficulty of suffering, God promises to be with His people through suffering, uses suffering for our good and His glory, and promises a day where suffering will be no more.
Father In what way is God our refuge?

In what way is God our refuge?

To say that God is our refuge means He is our shelter, defender, and source of safety. God is who we run to when we are afraid, the strength we depend on when we are weak, and the hope we hold when life is unsteady.