Joy Through the Storms of Life

People search for happiness in a variety of ways; buying things they want or doing certain activities are two common examples. All too often, the happiness people find is temporary and dependent upon their circumstances. Joy is different. The joy we have found in Christ fills us with a quiet confidence; a steady peace that is not dependent upon our circumstances. This joy changes how we handle the storms of life.

Angie and I sailed to and around the Key West area from January through March, 2022. While there, we experienced gale force winds several times during the day and at night. A gale is a wind storm of 34 knots and greater. These are just words until you experience a gale yourself. Violent forces are at work. Preparation is required and oddly, like love, it requires choices and actions. Knowledge is just the beginning.

How do you prepare for life? Who or what guides you each day?

Before our first gale of the season began, Angie and I found a temporary place to anchor based upon chart information. Selecting the right ground tackle and proper place to anchor is a significant factor in surviving a gale without loss. We set our anchor alarm and went to bed.

Our faith is in God who guides us through life. Christians experience joy because they put their faith in God. We are continually learning to live and love according to His will. We were at peace.

Just after midnight, Angie and I awoke to the awful sound of our anchor alarm. Our first anchorage here proved inadequate! Thankfully, our faith-our full trust and reliance in something or someone-is not found in a navigational chart! Thank God we set our anchor alarm, He knows our needs and is always with us.

We spung out of bed and began the process of moving to another location in the dark of night with no moon to help. With water spraying over the bow and the boat pitching and rapidly yawing from side to side, we raised the dragging anchor. I worked at the bow of our pitching vessel while Angie worked the helm following my instructions…so I thought. Since she could not see my hand signals or hear my verbal instructions, she began praying. Without incident, we got the anchor up, guided Liberty through the dark past other vessels and re-anchored in gale force winds. During the next 12 hours, our anchor held for two to three hours in violent winds before it was time to go through the process of re-anchoring again. On Saturday at 10:57 we finally found a firm foundation which allowed our anchor to hold within the gale.

He gives us strength and endurance in our times of need! Philippians 4:13 says I can do everything through him who gives me strength. We persevered without fear and acted as a team; Angie, myself and God as our guide. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. We were at peace and never worried despite hearing reports of distress that night and throughout the next day as we rode out the gale. The joy we have was on display for each other to witness.

Angie and I have joy in our lives because we can count on God to be with us every moment of every day. He gives us courage, strength and the ability to endure. Our joy increases as we grow closer to Christ. It grows with our assurance that we are in God’s hands.

Philippians 4:4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The winds calmed to near 20 knots early Sunday morning; well before serving as the weekly on-line worship service host for LifeSpring Church of Bellevue, Nebraska.

Our hope is in the Living God. We have a confident expectation He will fulfill His promises. Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at you right hand.

Joy comes from God. It is based upon God’s presence in our lives.