Finding Peace in the Storm

The storm is coming
It forces open the curtains
and pushes its way in 
Heart crushed
Body splintered 
Mind fragmented
Soul ripped 
There is no where to hide 
The storm is always looming 
In the quiet and calm
of smiles and laughter
The storm taunts
Shattering the peace 
There aren't any No Trespassing signs 
No 'keep out' written in crayons 
The storm wins every time 
There's no use trying to fight it
Just ride the storm out 
Not much longer
In the distance, more storms 
brew in the darkness 
Sound the alarms!
Brace yourself!
Frozen in fear
Yet far away 
So far, I can barely feel the wind 
As the waves crash over and over 
The storm always leaves its mark. 
Battered, torn and scarred
On the sunniest of days 
The storm still hovers. 
Years later and the slightest breeze 
will cause full alert. 
Now there are "NO Trespassing!" signs
"Keep Out" is written in permanent ink
Sandbags are piled high for protection
It's too dangerous to get too close 
Anticipate danger
Find ways to cope
Always be prepared. 
Be aware.
Fear the worst.
Alone. 
Just in case the storm comes. 
And it blows in
Again. 
Unexpected. 
But this time it is a gentle breeze 
Calm 
I'm caught off guard
by the blinding light. 
Naked shame on full display
in the brightness. 
My head hangs low 
And this storm lifts it. 
This storm is peace. 
This storm is love. 
This storm is Jesus. 
In His relentless pursuit
He rescues 
He rebuilds 
He restores. 
Safe.
Never alone. 
Loved. 

His house is my shelter
and secret retreat. 
It is there I find peace 
in the midst of storm and turmoil. 
Safety sits with me 
in the hiding place of God.
He will set me on a rock, 
high above the fray. 
Psalm 27:5 
When you face stormy seas 
I will be there with you
with endurance and calm;
you will not be engulfed 
in raging rivers.
If it seems like you're walking 
through fire with flames
licking at your limbs, 
keep going; you won't be burned. 
Isaiah 43:2 VOICE
The Eternal is full of grace
and naturally just; 
our God is compassionate and merciful.
And the Eternal watches over the naive
Whenever I was knocked down, 
He reached down and saved me. 
O my soul! Return and relax. 
Come to your true rest, 
for the Eternal has showered you with His favor. 
God, you alone rescued my soul 
from the grips of death, 
my eyes from weeping, 
and my feet from slipping. 
I will come before the Eternal
as long as I journey
in the land of the living.
Psalm 116:5-9 VOICE 

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