I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 89:1 (NKJV)
We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives. Even though there are many ways that these storms can be manifested they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are:
We've been looking at, 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm." In our last devotional, we looked at our 11th way, so lets continue with our last way to deal with a "Storm."
12. We must remember God's faithfulness.
Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to have a conversation with someone, while there are other people around who are being annoying, distracting, and even down right rude with their noise and inappropriate statements? That's exactly what happens to us when we are in the midst of a trials and tribulation - we are being bombarded with annoying, inappropriate thoughts by the enemy while we are trying to figure out what we need to do to handle our situation.
Q: How are we to combat these negative thoughts that come into our heads when we are in the midst of storms?
One of the best ways to deal with these tough times is to stop and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and to get rid of any garbage thoughts that make their way to your mind (See 2Cor. 10:3-5). The next thing we need to do is to be prepared for the Spiritual warfare of the enemy. This means putting on our armor for battle to be able to defend ourselves from the attacks of the enemy.
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV)
This faith is not some emotional momentum conjured up by psyching ourselves up - it is the faith that is properly placed in God, and "His" abilities. Understanding that God is all-powerful and is capable of stopping any attack against us, puts our minds at ease. It is essential for us to remember how faithful our Lord is when we are in the midst of being tempted to doubt - think about everything that He has done for you in your past, and on the 3000-plus promises He has given us in the Bible.
Okay, we have looked at 12-ways to deal with a "Storm," and if we are faithful to implement these things we will make it through with a perfect peace and the assurance of God's guidance. Once we have come through the storm this is where we can be used in a mighty way to impact the kingdom of God, and it is a part of the fruit that has come from the trial that we have just experienced. I am talking about sharing with others about what God has done for you, and giving thanks to the Lord for "EVERYTHING!"
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders. Psalms 107:31-32 (NKJV)
Hey Christian, there is no bad time to praise God, and that includes in the midst of the "Storm," or when it has passed. Praising God and giving glory to His name is a great testimony and witness of our love for Him, and of His love for us. People are drawn to the Lord when they see how He has impacted our life and how He has carried us through - they see hope in our eyes and a peace that surpasses all understanding.
In Closing: Storms don't always make sense - It is important for us to TRUST IN THE LORD and to not lean upon our own understanding. We need to acknowledge Him, and He is going to make our paths straight through these times (See Proverbs 3:5,6).
And remember, we have a great reward awaiting us folks.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (NKJV)
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Psalms contained within this devotional?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you praising God in the storm?
APPLICATION: Always remember that God is faithful to His promises. Study the Bible and learn about these promises so that when the enemy attacks, you can counter his lies with God's promises.
We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives. Even though there are many ways that these storms can be manifested they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are:
- Storms of Correction These are the tough times where we go through trials and tests because we have unconfessed sin in our life - and we are going in a way that is not in the will of God.
- Storms of Perfection These are those times where we go through trials and tests because God loves us and He is transforming us to be more like Jesus.
We've been looking at, 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm." In our last devotional, we looked at our 11th way, so lets continue with our last way to deal with a "Storm."
12. We must remember God's faithfulness.
Have you ever experienced the frustration of trying to have a conversation with someone, while there are other people around who are being annoying, distracting, and even down right rude with their noise and inappropriate statements? That's exactly what happens to us when we are in the midst of a trials and tribulation - we are being bombarded with annoying, inappropriate thoughts by the enemy while we are trying to figure out what we need to do to handle our situation.
Q: How are we to combat these negative thoughts that come into our heads when we are in the midst of storms?
One of the best ways to deal with these tough times is to stop and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and to get rid of any garbage thoughts that make their way to your mind (See 2Cor. 10:3-5). The next thing we need to do is to be prepared for the Spiritual warfare of the enemy. This means putting on our armor for battle to be able to defend ourselves from the attacks of the enemy.
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Ephesians 6:16 (NKJV)
This faith is not some emotional momentum conjured up by psyching ourselves up - it is the faith that is properly placed in God, and "His" abilities. Understanding that God is all-powerful and is capable of stopping any attack against us, puts our minds at ease. It is essential for us to remember how faithful our Lord is when we are in the midst of being tempted to doubt - think about everything that He has done for you in your past, and on the 3000-plus promises He has given us in the Bible.
Okay, we have looked at 12-ways to deal with a "Storm," and if we are faithful to implement these things we will make it through with a perfect peace and the assurance of God's guidance. Once we have come through the storm this is where we can be used in a mighty way to impact the kingdom of God, and it is a part of the fruit that has come from the trial that we have just experienced. I am talking about sharing with others about what God has done for you, and giving thanks to the Lord for "EVERYTHING!"
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt Him also in the assembly of the people, And praise Him in the company of the elders. Psalms 107:31-32 (NKJV)
Hey Christian, there is no bad time to praise God, and that includes in the midst of the "Storm," or when it has passed. Praising God and giving glory to His name is a great testimony and witness of our love for Him, and of His love for us. People are drawn to the Lord when they see how He has impacted our life and how He has carried us through - they see hope in our eyes and a peace that surpasses all understanding.
In Closing: Storms don't always make sense - It is important for us to TRUST IN THE LORD and to not lean upon our own understanding. We need to acknowledge Him, and He is going to make our paths straight through these times (See Proverbs 3:5,6).
And remember, we have a great reward awaiting us folks.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (NKJV)
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Psalms contained within this devotional?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you praising God in the storm?
APPLICATION: Always remember that God is faithful to His promises. Study the Bible and learn about these promises so that when the enemy attacks, you can counter his lies with God's promises.
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