**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich. A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
“For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, ‘And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.’ And in this place again, ‘If they shall enter into my rest.’”
-Hebrews 4:4-5 KJV
Hurricanes are terrifying and devastating to any who are affected by them. Costing approximately $23 billion per event, houses, businesses, museums, vehicles, and lives are swept away in one horrifying moment. Yet, at the center of this powerful storm of water and wind is a semi-peaceful area called the eye of the storm.
Most of us don’t consider trials of this life to be peaceful or restful. Instead, they are often seen as stressful events. People will often experience physical symptoms, such as sleeplessness, digestive issues, or headaches. Mental problems also arise, with depression, a sense of hopelessness, or anxiety. That’s why I doubt anyone asks to suffer or desires anything terrible to happen to them.
Yet, what if suffering was the best way for us to grow? What if the trials of this life are the best lessons? And, what if God was using the terrible things of this life to teach us and grow us? Personally, I wish God would grow us through happy times just as much as he does through trying times. The truth is that it doesn’t happen unless people are humble and thankful for the good times. Most people become complacent in times of peace, needing to be awakened by trials in order to grow.
I would also argue that God’s rest can be found in the midst of whatever suffering you’re facing. Just like the eye of the hurricane, God can give us rest in the midst of a trial. His rest may look like inner peace in the face of a terrible diagnosis. It could be comforting words from a friend after the loss of a loved one. Of course, to find such rest requires constant communion with God. Even when the tears are falling, and your chest feels hollow and empty, draw near to God. Cry onto his chest, scream into his ears, and fall into his arms. He will be there.
Some of you may read this and feel like it is impossible. So I think it’s important to list what will happen if you don’t come into God’s rest in the middle of whatever you’re facing. You’ll probably feel lonely and afraid. That hollow feeling in your chest? It’ll get wider. You may continue to suffer physical symptoms, going to doctor after doctor to see what’s wrong, only to get mixed results. You may lash out at your friends or family members, feeling angry and bitter inside. Most of all, you won’t experience God’s rest.
Exhausting Work. Stress. Trauma. Trials. Suffering. All of these experiences and feelings are part of this life because of the nature of this fallen world. But one day, this will cease. One day, the world and all that is in it will be made new. Until that time, we can find rest in the one who will put to death the terrible sufferings of this world.
Let’s pray.
Dear Lord, please help me to come to you whenever I’m going through a trying time. Help me to find peace in the midst of the hurricane of my life. Draw me near to you and give me your rest. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.
P.S. I am the author of these books, and they are available in all formats: paperback, ebook, and audiobook! Thank you for your weekly support of Sip Saturday.
So true. Life's hurricanes are unavoidable. Uncontrollable. Yet there is peace in the midst of storms. The eye of the hurricane is in Jesus Himself. Rest.
Thank you. We go through gut-wrenching struggles. What helps up best is to "Cry onto his chest, scream into his ears, and fall into his arms." Even when it is dire, he provides like in Psalm 23:5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."