How do we express gratitude when troubles and struggles collide? Join me in finding gratitude in a rainstorm.
When a storm dumps –
The storm raged as my husband gripped the steering wheel. Squinting in the dark, with flashes of light and freeway lights too dim for this kind of early morning. Our only refuge was when the car passed underneath an overpass.
The rain slapped and beat the windshield. Suddenly a sheet of water encased our car. There my husband and I sat for what seemed like an eternity. White knuckled, our breath held, and then the wall of water swished away.
“What was that?” I asked in disbelief.
God is our Refuge –
I had been in deep prayer during the whole morning drive praying for divine strength and discernment, for the car to stay on the asphalt rather than hydroplaning, and for safe passage for my husband and I, and fellow travelers to reach our destinations.
As Don and I arrived at work, the brunt of the storm moved on leaving us in awe of God’s power to deliver. I was so thankful. But then I wondered shouldn’t I always be grateful and fervent in prayer?
I wondered shouldn’t I always be grateful and fervent in prayer? via @deborahrutherford #gratitude #prayer #TrustGod
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“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 teaches that God’s will for us is to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks no matter what we are going through.
Even when the storm isn’t an obvious downpour like this one there is always a storm behind, during, or in front of us.
How do we prepare and weather the storms of life?
- By having gratitude for God’s protection, we receive His comfort. We weather the storms of life with our anchor and compass, God. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NKJV)
Because Jesus has overcome the world, He can overcome our storms. Not that we won’t travel through storms but that He will be with us in whatever we go through.
Because Jesus has overcome the world, He can overcome our storms. Not that we won’t travel through storms but that He will be with us in whatever we go through. #overcomer #John16:33 #gratitude
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- Deep gratitude because God meets us in our fervent prayer giving us peace.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
- Gratitude that God is in control. The same God who created the rain has authority over the rain and our destiny. He hears our prayers even in the darkest storm. We find comfort because we know that God is with us and is faithful. He is our hope who will protect and deliver.
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Our Deliver –
Although this was a physical storm, I believe that God used this rainstorm to show me that this kind of gratitude, prayer, hope, and deliverance is available for all of my storms. Whether my trouble is little puddles or just after a storm or when it’s calm and there is not a cloud on the horizon, not a raindrop falling, He is my comforter, protector, and anchor. He is in control, the Creator of the universe who created all.
Although this was a physical storm I believe that God used this rainstorm to show me that this kind of gratitude, prayer, hope and deliverance is available for all of my storms. #gratitude #prayer #encouragement
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I had a different skip in my step that day. I seized my work joyfully, and confidently. We are all going to go through storms and what matters is that God is with us.
“Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You from those who rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.”
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Deborah your beautiful words were a balm to my soul today! Such a fabulous reminder of how powerful gratitude is in our lives. Indeed God is our Protecter in so many ways, yet how often do we really thank Him?
Donna, this is so kind of you. And I happy you found this post encouraging. It was such a scary drive in and so many of my family and friends are going through difficult things and God lead me to His awesome comfort.
Deborah, you’re so right. Gratitude changes us, especially when we’re going through a storm. When we stop to remember that that our Father sees us and walks with us through those storms, we can find peace. Gratitude reminds me that it’s not all up to me to get through a storm.
Jeanne, yes I love that God has given us a way to remember, to lean on Him to protect us and to give us His peace. Storms are a part of life but thankfully we are not alone.
God is so kind, generous and strong! Rejoicing with you in safety through the physical storm, and delighting in the depth of the lessons applied to our faith walk with Him, Deborah.
https://strengthwithdignity.com/god-hears-our-cry-he-does-not-ignore-us/
Thank you Lisa, we are blessed for our protector and teacher.
I love this Deborah! Gratitude definitely helps me to refocus off the storm that surrounds me to concentrate on the One who has authority over the storm. I just need to remember in those moments to refocus, it’s too easy to be pulled into the spiral when I’m exhausted, tired or overwhelmed. Your writing is always so encouraging to me! Blessings sweet sister …???
Donna, thank you. I feel the same, and this is where I need the Holy Spirit’s help to pause me long enough to direct my focus to God when encountering storms, trouble, and obstacles. I am blessed for your visit.
Gratitude is a short cut to transformation. It creates the pause in our monotonous moments to see what’s right in front of us, making way for the beauty amongst the ashes or the spark.
Yes Kristianne, so well put. I love this! Making way for the beauty amongst the ashes or the spark.
Deborah, I loved reading your words on gratitude. I’m giving a similar talk next week and you encouraged me with your lovely post. I am featuring you on my Pinterest Grace & Truth Featured board. Thank you for participating in our link-up. Maree
Maree, thank you! It is helping me so much to focus on gratitude to God – a calmy and centering practice. I am so happy I can be of help and that my post encouraged you. Thank you for featuring it on your Pinterest Grace & Truth Featured board. You have blessed me with this tonight! Your welcome and Happy Valentine’s Day!