It’s a beautiful morning. The sun is soaking through the windows, providing bright, welcoming light. The air outside is chilly, but the slightly green grass and cheeriness hold a promise that spring is just around the corner. I’m peering longingly out the window, thinking about warmer weather and the fun memories made in it.

The sunshine is especially welcomed, since Louisville just went through a week-long period of rain and flooding. Seeing the sun again brings a sigh of relief to my soul after days of grey. We are thankful that our home wasn’t damaged in any way, while many have flooded homes and basements.

It’s amazing how much the weather outside can affect the way that we feel. On a day like today, it’s easy for me to feel that “his mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). However, during the dark and grey days, I start to feel grey and dark myself.

The way I feel during changes of weather often remind me of how I tend to view seasons of life and my view of God. When things are good, it’s easy to trust in the Lord and his kindness. My heart is more ready to praise him and continually thank him for all that he’s given me. However, when circumstances are bad, it’s easier to forget the Lord’s goodness and grace.

A few weeks ago, one of the pastors in our church made the comment that “you’re either in a storm, leaving a storm, or entering a storm” as a Christian; we are never really “storm-free.”

Since this is true, how do we find relief in Christ during the storm? How do we rest in him and trust his word instead of our circumstances?

Whenever I’m faced with a storm, my immediate reaction is to read through the Psalms. They are so richly filled with words of encouragement in the Lord that David wrote while he was encompassed by his own storms in life.

Other verses that I turn to are as follows:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Jesus’ great promises about God’s care for us in Matthew 6:25-34, instructing us not to be anxious. (There is also a song that I love that quotes this passage almost verbatim. It’s called “Your Love is Strong” by Jon Foreman.)

My prayer is this: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Finally, these are the times that I feel I must pray, even when I don’t feel like I can pray. When things are good, I find my heart overflowing with thankfulness and praise throughout the day. During a storm, sometimes I don’t even feel like I have the words to pray; I don’t know what solution to ask for, or I feel so dry that I feel distant from the Lord. I’m thankful for a Holy Spirit who intercedes for us, giving the words to pray even when we feel as if they aren’t there. Simply trying to pray, however, will create a habit of still finding your joy and strength in Christ during the storms of life.

When faced with a storm, do not grow distant from the Lord, as might be your tendency. “Take up the full armor of God” and face the challenges with the many tools he has given to you. Dive deep into scripture, sing songs of praise, and pray with every breath that you can. He will sustain you through them, and will bring you peace and rest at the end. He brings us light and sun during the dark and grey.