God is everywhere. God is here. Although a simple concept, we can sometimes forget that God is with us every moment. We know He is with us when we experience joy. But sometimes we feel that He has forgotten us, or He is not present in the midst of our storms. Let me tell you dear sisters, the Lord is ever present in our joys and in our sufferings. In fact, this reminds me of the Gospel story in Matthew 8:23-27.
The disciples are in the boat with Jesus and suddenly a violent storm came upon the sea and the boat was being swept up by the waves. When the disciples looked at Jesus, He was sleeping. We might think, how can the Lord be sleeping at time like this? We can relate to the emotions of the disciples thinking that the Lord is sleeping in the midst of our own sufferings and that He is not present. But this is false. Just because it appeared that Jesus was sleeping on the boat, the most important part is that He was THERE! Jesus is all knowing and He knows what we need when we need it. This is why when He was awakened by the disciples He responded, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26). It seems to be a very natural response to be terrified on a boat when you are in a storm, doesn’t it? But this is why He is asking, “Why are you terrified?” as the Lord is saying, “Don’t you know I am here?”.
The Lord also says, “Do not fear; I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). The Lord is always present, but are we aware of His presence?
As women we can be so filled with emotions: anger, confusion, anxiety, sadness, and fear that it can seem we are in the midst of our own emotional storm and it can overwhelm us! When this occurs, we should not turn inward but outward!
I can honestly tell you that turning outward rather than inward really works! Recently, due to an unfortunate circumstance, I had to see my brother in the hospital who was about to die. I hate seeing people hooked up to machines and ventilators, especially those whom I love. I remember my husband driving me to the hospital, and just the thought of seeing my brother brought so much panic that I almost told my husband to turn the car around. I knew I had to see him one last time, because I wouldn’t have any other opportunity, and I also knew the Lord was calling me to go.
As we were driving, I could feel my emotions overtaking me. My heart rate was increasing, my stomach was starting to feel nauseous, and I was feeling light headed and dizzy. Then I remembered not to turn inward but outward. I found it difficult to focus on God in this moment because I am a very emotional person. But I remembered a song I was listening to earlier that day, Way Maker by Leeland. I remembered the feeling of peace I had when listening to the song. I focused on the refrain, “Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, my God that is who you are!”. I started to say it over and over in the car. At first it was in a soft whisper and then I was belting it out in the car singing at the top of my lungs! When we parked in the parking garage and walked over the front door, I was still singing. As we entered in the hospital and stood in line to check in, I was still singing. At this point, my husband said to sing it in my head so as not to disturb other visitors. So I did. I was singing the refrain in my head and even had a spring in my step.
When I started to go outward and worship the Lord, He gave me joy, peace, and strength. “Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10) When I started to worship the Lord, He gave me joy, peace, and courage. He calmed my storm. I was able to see my brother (although he wasn’t conscious) with a smile on my face and able to hold his hand to tell him God loves you and I love you too!
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be always in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:2) It is easy to praise the Lord when times are good. But remember, He is always present. It may appear He is sleeping, but He will not abandon us. And I promise if you choose to go outward, instead of inward, and praise the Lord, the Lord will give you strength and He will calm your storm.
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