God is With Me in the Storm

Daily Devotional – Friday, January 22, 2021

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)

 A story is told of a competition that was held to identify the best drawing depicting peace. Many prominent artists entered the contest. Each entrant took time to come up with the best drawing possible.

There were outstanding entries. One of them depicted a beautiful serene countryside with animals grazing peacefully. Another artist drew a family get-together with smiles on the faces of kinsmen. Still another captured the blue sky with birds gliding calmly.

Finally, the time came when the judges must pick the best work of art portraying peace. Everyone was surprised. There must be a mistake, some thought. The winning piece did not depict the conventional notion of piece.

It was a simple picture of a mother-bird, perched on a cliff. A fierce storm was ranging. Big waves were beating the hiding place of the bird. Under her wings were her little ones, oblivious of the danger they were exposed to. In the midst of the wild sea, this bird remained calm.

And so is the peace that God gives His people. It is not the absence of war and trouble that the Bible defines as peace. No. It is trusting oneself to the loving care of God in the midst of the life’s storms and uncertainties. 

In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” He does not promise a life without adversity, but the strength to bear the hardships of life.

Like Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego in the Babylonian furnace, you can be sure that if God allows you to get into adversity, He will be right there with you. After all, He is Immanuel, which when translated, means, “God is with Us”.

Prayer

Father, whatever storm I face today, give me your peace. Remind me that you are with me right there, right then. Amen.