Raging Storms
by Liz Griffin
David is in a time of deep trouble and crisis, with King Saul is chasing after him to kill him. But he knows what to do. He cries out to his God and runs to Him for shelter and protection. ‘Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, because I come to you for safety. In the shadow of your wings I find protection until the raging storms are over’ (Psalm 57:1). My question is what do people do who have no faith in God? Where do they run to in the raging storms?
David knows the character of Almighty God, ‘the Most High’. He knows He’s a God who supplies his every need, hears his cry, answers him and will save him. He knows He will show him His constant love and faithfulness and defeats his oppressors. He’s still overcome with distress, but has complete confidence in his God, and that he will sing and praise Him.
He makes a decision. It’s a good choice. ‘Wake up, my soul!’ Then he says three things he will do. He will ‘wake up the sun’ with his harp and lyre, he will thank the Lord among the nations and he will praise the Lord among the peoples. He then speaks out in praise ‘Your constant love reaches the heavens; your faithfulness touches the skies’ (Psalm 57:10).
The disciples of Jesus were once in a raging storm. They had Jesus in the boat with them but He was sleeping. ‘The disciples woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are about to die?” (Mark 4:38). Jesus took authority over the storm and commanded it to stop. Then He turned to His disciples and asked them “Why are you frightened? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
So, as followers of Jesus, we should know much more than David about where to run for protection from violent storms! Let’s go to our Lord Jesus for safety until the raging storms are over. Let’s set our minds to worship Him and give Him praise, whatever the circumstances, and no matter how much we are in distress. I believe even the smallest act of praise will change the very atmosphere around us, and defeat the enemy’s plans.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I cry to You for help. Hide me under the shadow of Your wings until the raging storms are over. Keep me safe and save me from the enemy. I love You, Lord. I worship You. I give You praise among the peoples. I give You thanks among the nations. Amen.
Liz Griffin lived for 20 years as an expatriate in South Africa, Bahrain and Japan, as her husband Paul worked for an international oil company. Paul and Liz became involved with Ellel Ministries in 1991 as part of the ministry team and joined the full-time team at Ellel Grange in 1995. Paul and Liz teach and minister to those seeking healing in their lives and together have written two books, 'Anger - How Do You Handle It' and 'Hope and Healing For The Abused'.
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