The Storms of Life

Why is it that at this time of year, there are so many people facing depression and have lost their joy? When do we allow the storms of life to take over? Have we truly given it all to God or are we trying to take care of it ourselves? We cannot do it on our own, we must seek the Lord's help. One of my favorite books of the Bible to read is James especially when going through storms of life. It is reminder that God is faithful and that we must persevere so that we may receive the crown of life.

James 1:1-8
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its works so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

I must say that lately we have been facing storms in our life. It seems that the saying "when it rains, it pours," is holding true but I know we serve a faithful God and he will get us through the storms. We have to remember what Scripture tells us and that is that we are to consider it pure joy when facing trials. That is very hard to do especially when going through trials and they seem to happen one after another. We have to keep pressing in and reading God's Word and be diligent in our prayer. We must believe and not doubt, in other words, know that God will meet our need, have complete faith in God. Romans 12:12 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always, Pray continually, Give thanks in all circumstances."

3 Points to Consider:
1) We must learn to overcome and completely trust God. Give it all to Him, simply put, completely surrender it all to Him. Don't let the storms of life take over and consume you.
2) Do not be afraid for the Lord your God is always with thee.
3) Satan can't stop what God put together.

We have to be reminded that Satan has no power over us if we are a child of God and we truly allow God to be first in our lives. We must claim the victory in Jesus Christ. He is Lord and Savior and will see us through the storms of life. We must remain faithful. He walks with us even when it seems He is not there, for He is there. We must seek Him in prayer and listen for what He has to say to us. I love the last point, Satan can't stop what God put together. God created us and designed us in his own unique way. We are special to God and Satan can't stop what God put together. No matter how hard Satan tries, he will not succeed. Keep your trust in God, seek Him daily, remain faithful to His word, keep his commands, and keep His Word in your heart at all times. Blessed are those who overcome for they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.