The Eye of the Storm

We live in turbulent times. Terrorism in Nice and a failed coup in Turkey in recent days testify to that. So where do we find peace?

The eye of the storm is the most peaceful place on earth. While wind and rain wreak havoc all around, pilots who fly storm-tracker planes say that all is perfectly still in that special place. In Psalm 91, David speaks about…terror…plagues…ten thousand falling at your right hand… “but it will not come near you.” Why? Listen: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver me.”

There are two ways to go through a storm: in panic or in peace. When a storm suddenly threatened their boat the disciples cried, “Lord, don’t you care if we drown?” They were terrified!  And where was Jesus? Sleeping peacefully in the back of the boat. That’s because He understood: (a) To get to where God wants to take you, you must go through certain storms. It’s not optional. (b) When you’re doing what God wants the storm can’t take you under. It’s in the storm, not the calm, that you discover this. (c) When it’s over you come out knowing God better, and you’re more equipped to help others!

Too often I ask God to stop the storm, and take the trouble away instead of asking for spiritual stamina and wisdom so that I might endure, learn and grow.

Peter Morphew
Chaplain