Oct 06
Today’s Truth
“Lord, you are my strength and my protection, my safe place in times of trouble” (Jeremiah 16:19 ERV).
Friend to Friend
Movies with happy endings are my favorite movies. My family constantly teases me about my surreal perspective of movie 
entertainment, but honestly, life holds enough reality. Why would I want to pay good money to see even more reality made bigger and more frightening on a gigantic movie screen?
When the movie, “The Perfect Storm,” was first released, the previews suggested it had a happy ending. I should have known better, but we love the water and really, how bad could it be?
We bought tickets, popcorn, and drinks, found the best seats in the theater, and prepared to be entertained. Wrong! Just about every scene showed tiny boats caught in the grip of frightening waves and fierce winds. I kept waiting for the storm to die down so everyone could go home with a boat full of fish to their anxious families who were waiting for them on dry land. Crash! Another monstrous wave belted the boat and crew.
By the end of the movie, I never wanted to set foot on a boat again and was worn out from trying to get everyone home where they would live happily ever after. I was tempted to demand a refund because of false advertising. Believe me, there was definitely no happy ending, but I did come away with a new fascination and deep respect for the sea.
I have a friend who loves to sail. When I asked him if he had ever been caught in a bad storm, he responded, “Many times!” I shook my head in disbelief. Of course, I had to ask, “Then why on earth do you keep sailing?” His answer was profound. “Mary, every sailor knows that there will be storms. You just learn what to do when the storm hits. There is only one thing to do and only one way to survive. You have to put the ship in a certain position and keep her there.”
The same is true in our lives. When the fierce storms of life overwhelm us, there is only one thing to do if we want to survive those storms. We must position ourselves in the right place – in the hands of God – and He will keep us there until the storm has passed. Jeremiah echoes this truth when he wrote:
“Lord, You are my strength and my protection, my safe place in times of trouble” (Jeremiah 16:19 ERV).
The words of the psalmist are filled with confidence and hope: “He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed” (Psalm 107:29, NIV). We really can trust God to bring peace and to reduce the fiercest storm to a mere whisper. The faithful provision and sustaining comfort of God at work in our life depends on our willingness to trust Him.
I love my children with all of my heart. Naturally, there are times when they make me very angry. They make wrong choices and sometimes even disappoint me, but if they are hurt, sick or in trouble, the anger, disappointment and even disobedience is overruled by my love for them, and a driving need to comfort them. If my imperfect heart responds to my imperfect children that way, think about how the perfect heart of our heavenly Father responds to us.
Richard Fuller writes: “You must stay upon the Lord; no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm and hold fast your confidence in God’s faithfulness and His everlasting love in Christ Jesus.”
We can face every storm with confidence, knowing God will redeem it for good. We can trust few things in this life, but God’s faithfulness is one of them. When the hard times come, and the storms roll in, trust God, and hold on. He is with you.
Let’s Pray
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Forgive me when I let fear consume my heart instead of choosing to trust You. Give me eyes to see the treasure buried at the heart of every storm and help me to choose joy – even when I don’t understand what You are doing. Teach me, Lord. Let my life be an illustration of Your strength perfected in my weakness.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Looking back at the storms in your life, how would you rate your response to those storms?
What changes do you need to make in order to experience victory?
More from the Girlfriends
Need help? Check out Mary’s new devotion books, Life is So Daily (Volumes 1 and 2). We pray these devotions will encourage and help you build a solid foundation of faith.
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© 2021 by Mary Southerland. All rights reserved.
GOD is all you need Romans 8 17
Dear Mary,
This message could not have been more timely! I’m flying to Texas this morning in a plan to possibly move there from California. It truly is overwhelming. Thank you for this perfect message.
Thank you, Mary for this am writing.
This reference to Jeremiah 16:19/Psalm 107:29 is such a comforting reminder of God’s grace over our lives, with your prayer reference to 2 Corin. 12:9.
I remember your writing of a few months ago, that God has “his hand on the thermostat” when one of His children is in the fire. We need reminding, that His faithfulness and grace are the strength we all need every day.
Blessings to you in your much needed ministry.
I am recovering from CoVid where I spent 12 days in the hospital. Throughout my stay in the there, Psalm 91 has been my great comfort. But since I came home two weeks ago, God has focused me to His character, of being my Strength, Protector, and Shield – my Hiding Place. At almost the same time that I was hospitalized, my mother-in-law got admitted at the ICU at the same hospital where I was. A day after I came home, my brother in-law was air-lifted to San Francisco ICU. He’s still there but seizures were stopped and he’s improving. Our hearts sank because we lost mom last Saturday, October 2nd. Talk about storms! But praise God for being there with me every single moment while riding through it. He is faithful, worthy of our trust. I am holding on to Him with my whole life while claiming Isaiah 43:2.
Thank you so much for your encouraging devotionals together with GiG. God richly bless you.
This was a timely reminder to me that God IS my Father and as much as I love my children, He loves them (and me) even more. Our daughter is going through some very hard times and has moved back home with us. It has been a difficult transition but I am seeing our Father’s hand at work.Praise His Holy Name!I love Him and need Him more and more each day!
Thank you, Mary! I love that quote from your sailor friend.
Alana, don’t you love how perfect God’s timing is? I pray for clarity and wisdom as you contemplate this move. BLessings!
Carol, I need reminding, too! Thank you for your encouraging email. Blessings to you!
Mercy, you certainly have the right name. Your strength and faith is a shining example to us all. Keep standing firm Blessings!
Yes He is!!!!
Tiffany, I love that quote, too. So much wisdom in it. Blessings!
Sue, I know what you mean. I have been where you are. Stand firm. Love lots and forgive more. Today, our daughter is my best friend, a wonderful mom and wife, and stellar young woman. God’s got this! Blessings!
Mary how thankful I am to receive your stories and your closing prayer. You tell them so well and in perfect timing. Im asking prayer from a mentally and physically abusive marriages of 35 years. I stayed in it because it was all I knew. As a senior I feel so ashamed and alone, rejected, abandon with no friends,siblings and family dont want me around, My kids don’t come around. They keep their distance, say I’m bitter, angry and negative. Heal Father God I prayer. Bring my kids, my sibbling into my life. Open the gates and doors and bring them into my life with good friends. Give me a purpose in life. I fear loneliness. Im the only Christian in a large family. They say my suffering is because to became a Christian. Prayer with me and for me in Jesus name.
Good Morning Mary and Thank you for sharing this powerful message ✨ The scripture references and the quotes are very encouraging! ✨I tend to get scattered with all that goes on in a day…I want to focus on God, but my mind goes everywhere when I try to pray. This devotional truly blessed my heart, and I am praying to apply this message to my heart and mind! God bless you every second of every day ✨❤️✨
Thank you.
yes, Alana – God is all you need!!!! Ephesians 5:8 – CHILDREN OF LIGHT