The Beach Is Calling: A 10 Day Plan for Rest and RelaxationSample

Rest in the Storm

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. PSALM 107:29 NIV

Trials aren’t easy. Tests aren’t fun. But our spiritual growth is more valuable than we’ll fully understand in this life. We’re learning to love God more and love others better. And even when it feels like too much, Jesus knows exactly when to still the storm and hush the waves. He’s never late to our rescue. We’re growing and we’re going to get through.

Our part in the process is to relax, rest in God, and take courage from our perfect example, who fell asleep in the back of the boat while the storm raged. We don’t have to see or know how the storm will end, we just have to trust with all our heart and soul that it will. And on the other side of it our faith will be stronger, our hearts will be braver, and our lives will be brighter.

Have you ever taken a walk on the beach when the sand is hard? What about when it’s soft? One is much easier than the other, but the one that’s more difficult builds more muscle and burns more calories. In the end, the tougher path is far better.

The same goes for our life path. The more challenging the trials, the stronger we become, and with God in the lead there’s going to be a beautiful outcome—the best result. Each one will get us closer to a clearer reflection of Him. For us that means less fear and more faith, less doubt and more confidence, less discouragement and more hope. And hope that can’t be extinguished, even in the worst of storms, can change the world.

Father, I know the storms will come and go in my life, and I know You’re with me through them all. Refresh my hope and strengthen me to face them with confidence. You know when to still them to a whisper.