Life is never all good nor all bad. It’s an ongoing combination of both. If you think about it, you could find something wrong with every good event. Likewise, you can find something positive even during bad events. In every situation, we make a choice about our area of focus. Life situations can take us by surprise and disrupt our sense of peace, security, confidence, (and if we are honest) control.

The Holy Bible includes many mentions of storms. Just like recent weather reports, the storms of life are unpredictable, forceful, and potentially dangerous. Oftentimes, the threat of so many unknown factors can fuel fear, amplify anxiety, and distract us as we try to chart a course of action to survive the storm. In the midst of life’s storms, we can erroneously assume that the Lord has turned His back and distanced himself from us. This is far from the truth. God is not like man. He will never leave nor forsake us. Hebrews 13:5 says “Don’t fall in love with money. Be satisfied with what you have. The Lord has promised that he will not leave us or desert us.” As difficult as they are, storms can be ultimately beneficial. Consider these silver lining benefits that can occur. During a storm, God:

1. Has your attention – when life is going smoothly, we can become complacent and fixated on ourselves instead of seeking God’s will. We are not blessed for self-glorification, but to be a blessing to others. Proverbs 11:24-25 says “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” 
2. Makes you prioritize – a sense of loss often accompanies storms. But, sometimes a physical loss is a spiritual gain. We can rejoice as we develop a stronger sense of awareness and gratitude about the way God provides for our essential needs – the physical and as well as the spiritual. Luke 12:29-31 says “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”
3. Allows you to recalibrate – the aftermath of life storms, can serve as a vehicle for a new beginning. The Lord can renew a right spirit within us and give us opportunities for a fresh start. Deuteronomy 30:3-4 says “then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back.”

Each storm you face is designed to mature you, not ruin you. In the midst of every storm, the Lord is faithful. He is omnipresent. We need only trust in Him and operate with faith-filled anticipation about Him bringing us out of the storm with a renewed since of faith, hope, joy, and peace. Philippians 4:7 says “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Storms allow us to view situations with new eyes where we can see God directly intervening on our behalf.

Psalm 107:28-31 says “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.”