Help in Storm
Scripture Reading — Psalm 107:23-32
They cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper.
—Psalm 107:28-29
Mikhail, our ministry worker in St. Petersburg, Russia, used to work on a commercial ship that routinely crossed the Atlantic. He recalls times when the ship encountered raging storms. Theirs was a large modern ship, but in the midst of high waves and strong gusts it looked and felt like a little toy. Everyone on board felt afraid and helpless.
You can imagine the fear of ancient sailors when they had to cross the sea without modern navigation equipment, radios, and weather reports. Encountering a major storm back then often meant death.
In today’s reading the psalmist describes such an event. Sea merchants are in a terrifying storm. Scared, they cry out to the Lord. He hears them, and in his mercy he stills the storm and guides them to safety.
We might never experience a real storm at sea. But at some point we will go through challenging or even tragic times. Maybe right now you are in a situation that can be described as a life storm. You desperately need the redeeming hand of God.
The psalmist tells us that in those moments we shouldn’t feel shy about crying out to God. We also have to be patient and faithful in waiting for his deliverance. We should also remember to give thanks for whatever blessings we have, despite our difficulties.
Father, we have the privilege of asking for your help in the storms of life. Thank you for your gracious deliverance in times of trouble. Amen.
About the author — Sergei Sosedkin
Rev. Sergei Sosedkin is the Russian-language ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He is a native of Moscow, Russia. As he oversees the Russian-language ministry, Rev. Sosedkin works from our office in Grand Rapids and in various locations in Russia.
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