Held Tight in the Storm

 - There is so much sadness, grief, and confusion today in the media, in our world, and lives. Life can seem hopeless.
 
When I read Psalm 119: 113-120, I find the source of hope and the place of protection.  My prayer for each of you today is that you will know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God loves you and cares for you. 
 
Recently I was listening to the memorial message of a woman who died much too soon.  She was a wife, mom and grandmother who spent most of her adult life serving as a missionary with her husband.  The pastor reminded us of this truth that we all need to remember:
 
"Being a follower of Christ does not make us immune to the realities of life.  Being a follower of Christ gives us the ability to cope with what life throws at us." David Mann - World Partners USA
 
These verses from today’s reading assure us that God is with us holding us tight in the storm:
 
“You are my hiding place and my shield, I hope in Your Word.” vs 114
“Uphold me according to your promise that I may live…” vs 116
“Hold me up that I may be safe…” vs 117
 
In the middle of all the chaos of today, remember the promises found in Romans 8:34-39.  Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ;

• Tribulation
• Famine
• Sword
• Death
• Confused government
• Wrong laws

 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 37-39
 
With Christ, we will conquer the situation, and nothing can separate us from the Love of Christ.  Being held in God’s hand is the hope we depend upon every day. 
 
 “May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding,
keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:7