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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