Finding Strength Through the Tough Times by Peggy Adamson
In Your Season of Waiting by Katelyn Tyler
Having Joy in the Ups and Downs of Life – Joy Sauceda
The Classroom of Life by Pam Harbor Seulean
What to do When You are Overwhelmed by Kelly Ashby DeMoville
It’s Worth It! by Cheryl Russ
My Identity in Christ
Storms of Life by Beth Palmani
Happy first Monday of 2022!! This week’s devo is “Storms of Life” written by Beth Palmani!
Please take the time to read as she shares this devo with us today! Let’s make 2022 the best year EVER!!
Storms of Life – Beth Palmani
This past summer we were able to visit family who had rented a beach house. I absolutely love to look at and listen to the sounds of the ocean. One of the things I was looking forward to, was watching the sunrise and the sunset over the water. I packed my fancy camera and lenses, and was eager to get the “perfect” photo of our girls with the breathtaking sunset in the background! When we arrived to the area, the weather was warm, but so cloudy and gloomy.
I got up early to walk on the beach to take pictures and look for seashells. Much to my disappointment, the spectacular sight I was anticipating, simply wasn’t there. The sky was filled with “grumpy” looking clouds and not one single shell! The water was “yucky” looking and was filled with seaweed and so much gunk. I had expected crystal clear water that I could dip my toes in while still being able to make sure no SHARKS would bite my toes off! 🙂 The sunset was much the same way – no sun to be seen! On the last day of our trip, a huge storm rolled in. You could see it coming in the distance. The lightning in the clouds could be seen so far off, and you could even see the rain pouring on the ocean in the distance.
We watched from the deck of the house until the storm got a little too close for comfort, then retreated inside. It was a night filled with thunder, lightning and lots of rain, but we were warm and safe inside the house. The next morning, I didn’t get up early to go out and get my sunrise shot, since I knew it wouldn’t be there. Instead, slept in a bit until my daughter came in, begging to go out to the water. She pulled back the curtain, and WOOSH, there it was! The SUNLIGHT I had been wishing for! The storm had come and gone and left the most spectacular sight I’ve ever seen! Even now, it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! I jumped out of bed, quickly grabbed the camera and we ran to the water! Oh what a time we had! The water was so clean and clear, you could walk around and see straight to the bottom! And as for shells? Too many to count! We even found full size silver dollars, which I’ve only ever seen in the store! The sunshine made the water glisten and shine like I never knew possible. To be honest, the camera just couldn’t capture the sight I was seeing, but those images are forever etched in my mind. I couldn’t help but think of the song, “Till the Storm Passes By.” Life can get so dark and gloomy and yes, even be filled with “gunk” at times, yet, we have a Heavenly Father who loves us so deeply and helps us through each “storm” so that we can have something truly spectacular on the other side. I love the verses in Psalm 91 that remind me that, much like the house kept us safe and warm that night, Jesus is my refuge in the storms of life. I can stay snuggled in his wings, safe and warm. And, just like on that day this summer, Joy truly does come in the morning! (Ps 30:5)
As I get older, I can see that there are stormy times, but there are also times of sunshine!
If things in your life right now are dark and gloomy, just keep pressing on, right through that storm, because on the other side, is beautiful sunshine!
https://www.sappsolutely.com/devotions/storms-of-life-beth-palmani
Be the Difference
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ” John 10:10
Our earthly view of abundant living is tainted. We generally tend to think that someone who has it all is living the “good life”. We sense that the good life is full of pleasure. While the opposite is suffering, trials, or difficult situations.
Jesus’ life on earth doesn’t fit that depiction. He had nowhere to lay His head (Matthew 8:20). He was hated of men (Matthew 10:22). He suffered an agonizing death (Mark 15).
Yet Jesus came to give life. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life: (John 14:6). The life He gives is eternal, and is richer and fuller because of His abundant forgiveness, mercy, love, and grace.
Does your life mimic a spring of Living Water or is it on the dry side? Be the difference that will draw others to Him.
