Without much opportunity for clean up after the destruction of Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida last night. I wake up in the dark hours of the morning wondering what destruction it has caused. I cannot even imagine the fear, the uncertainty, and the troubles these precious people are facing as they look on the destruction in the light of dawn. It is a time of trouble, a time of fear but can also be a time of peace.

Trouble comes in many different forms. In the days of the prophet Isaiah trouble came in the form of the Assyrians. The Assyrians were a brutal people, who used threats to weaken and taunt their enemies to encourage surrender. They came up against the kingdom of Judah with the intent of taking over. Their threat caused King Hezekiah to immediately fall before the Lord and beg for His help. That night after Hezekiah had prayed, an angel of the Lord went outside the gates and took the lives of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Judah was saved, and Psalm 46 was their response.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives 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. Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah” (Psalm 46)

I have no doubt fear and uncertainty have taken hold with many residents in Florida and the surrounding states. While I am not sharing their troubles, I am troubled. I wonder how friends and acquaintances have fared. As with others, I pray for safety. I pray for the storm to release its hold and fade away. I pray for comfort and peace.

When dark, challenging times come, we tend to be afraid. Fear causes us to seek a place of safety, a place of comfort and rest. King Hezekiah found his refuge in God. Because of the Lord’s help, Hezekiah found strength, courage, peace, and joy as he rested in the fortress of God. With God’s presence came courage to face any difficulty with joy. God was right there with him, and he knew God’s power was greater than any trouble he and his kingdom would face. Even if the trouble remained, fear could be left behind because God was right there with him. His kingdom was not left alone.

There will always be times in life when we feel our world is falling apart. Fear will come as the result of natural disasters, job loss, unexpected diagnosis, sickness, or death. Different situations will cause us to experience fear, but when we remember the strength of God combined with His very presence, we can run immediately to Him as our refuge from the storm and find peace.

What troubles are you experiencing? While you may not be facing a hurricane, you may be experiencing the fear of the future, the fear of being alone, the fear of the unknown or fear that grips you because of anxiety. Whatever you fear, whatever troubles you face, you are not alone. God offers you a strong fortress, a refuge of safety, power greater than any difficulty, and He offers you Himself. With His presence comes joy and gladness. He is with you in any trouble. All He asks is for you to come, to “be still, and know that He is God.” Even if the storms of life continue, you can have peace because you are with God.

In His Love,

Susan