It doesn’t take much for a breeze
To become a roaring fury –
Or a gentle, soaking shower
To become a fierce, howling squall.
In a matter of mere moments,
The elements that nourish you
Can soon threaten to destroy you
Or just paralyze you with fear.
That is true in the natural…
More so in the relational.
Sometimes the waves that pound at you
Are tides of public opinion.
Sometimes the winds that howl to you
Are the voices of the critics.
Sometimes the raindrops that pelt you
Are problems with no solutions.
When storms are raging,
It’s time for engaging
Your faith, your hope, and your love.
It all depends, when you’re facing the winds,
What sort of foundation you have.
If you’re standing on solid ground,
You need a secure shelter.
If you’re floating on the water,
You need a firm-holding anchor.
If you’re navigating through life in this dark world,
You need Someone true you can believe in.
You need the comforting shelter
Of a warm embrace to dry tears,
And who can still speak to the storms
And boldly command, “Peace! Be still!”
You need the deep stability
Of a Shepherd to calm your fears,
Who can hold you safe at all costs
Until the tempest passes by.
When storms are raging,
It’s time for engaging
Your heart to reach up and believe.
It all depends, when you’re facing the winds,
What sort of horizon you have.
If you’re forging new trails by land,
You need relatable landmarks.
If you seek direction by sea,
You need a trustworthy compass.
If you’re pressing against this strange, uncertain life,
You need clarity – a future and hope.
You need the confidence that comes
From One who knows your destiny,
Who is beautifully invested
Also in bringing it to pass.
You need the certainty that sees
Beyond veils of the sensory,
Who invites wave-rocked mariners
To walk on the water with Him.
When storms are raging,
It’s time for engaging
Your hope to look out and press on.
It all depends, when you’re facing the winds,
What sort of connections you have.
If you’re manning the storm shelter,
You need the safety in numbers.
If you’re navigating the waves,
You need the strength of partnership.
If you’re enduring the brokenness of this life,
You need the glory of tenacious love.
You need the comfort of knowing
Someone will finish what He launched.
In spite of the disappointments
Or detours you may hurl His way.
You need the quiet assurance
Of a Love never outsmarted
By your regrets or your changes,
Your crazy dreams or temptations.
When storms are raging,
It’s time for engaging
Your love to receive… and to live.