SOAP 07/31/2015; Psalm 107:25, 28-29

Today's reading: Isaiah 63, 64; Psalm 107; John 2

S) "²⁵ For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind,
Which lifted up the waves of the sea.
...
²⁸ Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brought them out of their distresses.
²⁹ He caused the storm to be still,
So that the waves of the sea were hushed."

Psalm 107:25, 28-29 (NASB)

O) There is no "mother nature." It is pretty plain that this is a metaphor, although this could have been a literal storm, as the disciples of Jesus experienced. This is one example, so we can't generalize about God. However, it is clear that He sometimes causes storms as a way to get our attention back on Him, and then He will calm them again.

A) Whether the storms I face are literal or spiritual, whether they are spoken by God, or the result of a fallen world affected by sin, my right response will be the same. In my trouble, I will cry to the LORD. I will ask Him to bring me out of my distress, because He can calm every storm and hush every wave.

P) Father, I know that storms come. I know that my only hope to weather a storm, is to have Christ Jesus as my foundation. It is because of Christ, that I have a right relationship with You. This is the gospel I so easily forget. In my frustrations and pain, in the chaos of my day, let me be prompted to seek You. Those trials, those storms are designed to open my stubborn lips, to cry out for help to the only one who can save me. Be glorified in my storms, in my cries, and in my rescue. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.