I was listening to an old song that my buddy Jason Szuch and I used to always listen to, by Aaron and Jeffery. It’s called “After the Rain” ( old school music video can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akxCB92WvAA ), and after hearing it, for the first time in a long time, I wanted to encourage you all, about what typically happens, after the rain! This only happens, if you are willing to notice, willing to look for it, and willing to hope.
You see, life is a journey filled with both sunshine and storms. Just like the weather, our lives are often unpredictable, marked by moments of joy and challenges that test our resilience. Amid these storms, it may be difficult to see a way out or find meaning in the chaos. However, much like the calming beauty that follows a storm, life has a way of revealing clarity and purpose in the aftermath of adversity.
After the Rain:
After a heavy rain shower, the world undergoes a transformation. The air is fresh, the colors seem more vibrant, and there's a certain sense of renewal. It's during these moments that we can witness the sun breaking through the clouds, casting its warm and gentle glow on everything it touches. The contrast between the darkness of the storm and the brightness of the sunlight creates a breathtaking scene that serves as a metaphor for the storms we face in life.
Life's Storms:
In our personal journeys, we encounter storms that manifest as challenges, setbacks, and moments of despair. These storms can take various forms, such as health issues, financial struggles, or the loss of a loved one. During these times, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. However, just as the sun awaits its turn behind the clouds after a rainstorm, the SON is their waiting for us amid life's challenges.
Seeing God More Clearly:
It is often said that we find God in the details of our lives, especially in moments of hardship. Like the way the sun becomes more apparent and appreciated after a storm, our connection to God can becomes clearer when we navigate through life's difficulties. These storms serve a purpose, allowing us to reflect, grow, and ultimately strengthen our faith.
1. Reflection: Storms force us to slow down and reflect on our lives. In these moments of introspection, we may find ourselves turning to prayer or seeking hope from our Savior. The quiet that follows the chaos provides an opportunity for a deeper connection with God. The focus needs to be peace in the middle of chaos, but sometimes we don’t allow ourselves to stay still, and know who the Lord of the Storm is as well!
2. Growth: Just as plants thrive after a nourishing rain, our spirits can experience growth through the challenges we face. Adversity teaches us resilience, patience, and the importance of relying on a higher power for guidance and strength. In these moments, we learn to surrender control and trust in a divine plan. As I was chatting with my wife (my bff), on Sunday, I told her I am so thankful for the parts of my life, that have made me who I am today, and I pray that God will continue to let me see the gratitude for life sucking at certain parts.
3. Strength: Storms are not meant to break us; rather, they are opportunities for us to discover the strength within. The storms of life reveal our capacity to endure and persevere, qualities that draw us closer to knowing we can’t do it, without God. In times of trial, we can find refuge in our faith and emerge stronger on the other side of the storm.
Life's storms may seem daunting and insurmountable, but they are an integral part of our journey. Just as the sun emerges after the rain, revealing the beauty of the world in a new light, our struggles pave the way for a deeper understanding of our connection, and need for our Savior. In the fabric of life, storms are the threads that add depth, resilience, and meaning to our existence. Embracing the storms with faith allows us to see God more clearly, finding comfort and guidance during life's uncertainties.
Here are some scriptures to hold onto while going through a storm: Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Psalm 23:2-4 (ESV)
"He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
Psalm 32:7 (NLT)"For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory." Psalm 40:1-3 (ESV)"I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth,a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken."
Psalm 69:14-18"Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit closes its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. Hide not your face from your servant, for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!"
Psalm 93:4 (ESV)"Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!"
Isaiah 12:2 (ESV)“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."
Isaiah 58:11 (ESV)"And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."
Hosea 6:3 (NIV)“Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
Romans 15:13 (ESV)"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
