In The Storm

I have never been in a dust storm, but I watched part of the documentary on the great dust bowl of the 1930’s which took place in the Dakotas. People had to wear wet clothes over their mouth when they went outside, so they could breathe. In the middle of the day, the great clouds of dust would rise up and block out the sun to bring partial darkness.

Not only was it hard to breathe, but the particles in the air would sting the skin as the wind whipped them around. It was hard to hear or communicate because of the noise and because ears were covered to protect them from the sand. The people of the plains must have felt they were in a living hell.

God’s warrior often encounters storms. They often come at a time of success and fruitfulness, perhaps a mountaintop experience. The big push is done and you wake up to a quiet day. You are very tired physically. Perhaps you have breakfast and realize you are so dog-tired your eyelids are pushing downward as if heavy weights were tied to them.

Then thoughts of worry come . . . irrational thoughts that never bother you during normal circumstances. I’m getting old and I don’t think my retirement is large enough. Oh dear, we will be paupers. You start thinking about when your kids will be leaving home, and then you miss the times when they were little and you realize those times are gone forever. You start feeling melancholy. You think about your parents who are old, and you realize they will cross over and you will be alone.

Then you began to doubt the direction in your life. Is it God’s direction and if so have you heard Him right? Maybe you are not in His will at all.

You are in the storm.

Satan is taking his best shot . . . throwing everything he’s got at you.

When you’re in the storm, it’s hard to hear God. It’s hard to see. There is confusion. It seems all the stops have been pulled out. The wind is driving sand in your face, and you are so very, very tired.

Be aware that Satan’s attacks often come when you are physically tired. He is a dirty fighter. He will not confront you while you are rolling along in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Rather he cowers in the darkness until you are exhausted, and you perhaps have fallen down. Then he rushes out of the darkness and begins to kick you in the ribs. His impish demons run out and began jumping on your back, and beating you on the head with clubs.

Child of God, hold fast! This too will pass. Hold fast, the storm will lift.

Be aware that this is not different than the sufferings that are accomplished in your brothers and sisters in the faith. (But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: 1 Corinthians 1:6)

Here are a few practical tips for when you are in the storm:

  1. As much as possible refrain from making important decisions.
  2. Get some rest. Go to bed earlier, get up later, if possible.
  3. Eat well. Fresh vegetables, juice, hearty meals. Take your vitamins. Go easy on the caffeine and sugar. Too much caffeine and sugar will hinder your tired body to be able to recover.
  4. Go and see some trusted friends who will encourage you and pray for you.
  5. If you are married, communicate with your spouse. Be honest about where you are at, your phsical and mental exhaustion. This may avoid arguments and misunderstanding. (I have added number five upon the recommendation of my wife.)

I have often found that a day in the storm may be contrasted by a very quick and strong recovery in just a few hours. God is able to quiet the storm in a heartbeat, just as he did on the Sea of Galilee. One minute the disciples were calling, “Lord, help us, we are going under. The next moment, at the Lord’s rebuke, the seas were completely calm.

If you’re in the storm, trust Him. Call to Him! He will bring you out!

Photograph of man figurine in a sand storm designed and taken by Lorraine