Hope in the Storms

Text: Psalm 107: 25–30

For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in peril, their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

The rate at which people are committing suicide is alarming. This is particularly happening because a lot of people are frustrated and depressed. Not only do some people demonstrate their frustration by committing suicide, they sometimes vent their frustration on other people by committing murder.

People are going through the storms of life in the form of failure, sickness, hardship, rejection, and loneliness. Many of the things we go through in life can be avoided if we have chosen to obey God’s instructions. Whatever your storm is, I want to tell you that there’s still hope for you, and Jesus is that hope.

God is the giver of hope in a time of storm. The writer of the Psalms acknowledges how God rescued his people from the storm of life. Those who put their trust in God would surely be rescued from the storm.

We will look at the following points:

The Causes of Storms: What are the likely causes of storms in people’s lives, even as a believer?

Deliberate disobedience against God’s commandments, in Jonah 1:17– Jonah disobeyed the commandment of God and he ran into the midst of storms. Are you also disobeying the whispering of the Spirit, the inner voice that speaks to you.

Partnership with unbelievers, in Acts 27:7–11, 13–15, 18–20. We read that Paul had no choice under the conditions where he found himself, whereby he traveled with unbelievers. In your own case, are you not in the same “ship” with ungodly people? Ungodly marriage partnerships, business partnerships, and friendships are an invitation to the storm. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17; 2 Chronicles 20:37.

Natural occurrence and a trial of faith Matthew 8:23-24, Matthew 14:22-24. Sometimes, we go through a difficult situation and hardship not because we have committed any sin or because we are partnered with an unbeliever, but because our faith in God must be tested (James 1:2-4). When what you’re going through is a trial of faith, do not despair.

The promise of God to believers in troubles Isaiah 43:1-2, Psalm 91:15, Hebrews 13:5, John 14:1, 18, 27, Acts 27:22-25. Whatever you’re going through currently, believe in God’s promises to save you from them all. Trust in the promises of God because he will never fail you nor forsake you (Luke 1:45).

What believers must do amid the storms:

Cease from your own wisdom Psalm 107:27, Proverbs 3:7

Call upon God in prayers Psalm 107:26-28, Matthew 8:23-26, Psalm 34:6,15,17-19, Jeremiah 33:3

Seek counsel from the godly people and don’t despise their counsel. Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 20:18, Proverbs 24:6, Acts 27:9-11. When a godly man like Paul advised the Centurion against their voyage, the Centurion despised Paul’s advice and followed the counsels of the ship captain and the ship owner. They almost lost their lives except for God’s intervention. Godly counsel can deliver you from troubles – take heed!

Conclusion

You do not need to go through hardship and pain in life when you choose to walk in agreement with God’s leading through the help of the Holy Spirit.

But if you’re in the midst of a storm, don’t despair – there is hope for you. Jesus is the last hope in a time of trial. That is why you have to surrender your life to Jesus if you have not already done so. Come to Him today by confessing Him as your personal Lord and Saviour.