Devotionals for the Heart: How to trust God in turbulent times

Learning How to Trust God in Turbulent Times
A devotional by Sarah Cole

“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.” 

–Psalm 107:28-30 (NIV)

My love-hate relationship with airplanes started when I experienced turbulence for the first time.

My father traveled for work, and he occasionally took me to exotic destinations. One year we boarded the company jet and headed to Hawaii. As the plane reached cruising altitude, the change in pressure gave me the worst earache imaginable. I shrieked, and my mother told me to yawn or chew gum, but nothing helped. Over the loudspeaker, the pilot said we were flying through a thunderstorm and were in for a bumpy ride for the next ten minutes. Though my father reassured me it would soon be over, I sobbed and clutched the armrests until we landed.

As we left the airport, the warm sunshine and tropical breeze caressed my skin. Towering palm trees swayed, and a Hawaiian woman welcomed me with a floral necklace. Once I arrived in paradise, I suddenly forgot about my pain.

When a turbulent situation threatens our security, and everything we do to alleviate our pain fails, our priority is usually surviving the next ten minutes. But as powerless as storms make us feel, they don’t surprise God (1 Peter 4:12). He's taken weary travelers through the worst of weather, so we can trust Him to help us too.

I can only guess what makes you hold on for dear life today. Maybe your boss handed you a pink slip after thirty years. Maybe your troubled teen's latest outburst troubles your sleep. Maybe a diagnosis has shattered your hopes and dreams, leaving you devastated.

The truth is that unless we trust Someone greater than ourselves to help us survive the world's chaos, we will clutch the armrests of the world in the vain hope of finding relief.

Friend, Jesus Christ is greater than the storm you're facing. He knows it’s more than you can handle. And while He never promised a smooth ride through this life (John 16:33), He will accompany you for the duration of it (Joshua 1:9). Relax. You'll be through the worst of it before you know it (Romans 8:28).

If you’re struggling to cope, these four traveling companions will give you the hope you need until the skies clear:

1. Ponder God’s promises. He hasn't failed to keep one yet. Find verses that resonate with you and meditate on them day and night. (Numbers 23:19 and Philippians 4:8).

2. Consider God’s character. His goodness and faithfulness don't fluctuate with life's circumstances. You can trust Him to do what is best for you. (Hebrews 13:8 and Psalms 103:8).

3. Prioritize prayer. When you give your burdens to Jesus, you'll travel light (Galatians 6:2). It's not your job to carry the world's luggage on your shoulders.

4. Practice His presence. You can't escape trials, but when you spend time with God and ask Him to fill you, He equips you to face them (Psalm 23:4).

Let's Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing everything I need to weather this storm. When turbulence tests my faith, Your presence gives me the confidence that I will reach my destination. In Jesus's name, I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Into the Sea” by Tasha Layton. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Your Presence Is A Promise” by Mack Brock. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Sarah Cole’s interest in writing began in grade school when her poem was published in the local paper. As she got older, her mother’s chronic illness inspired her to design a line of greeting cards. Since then, she has written for her college newspaper and two community newspapers where she wrote restaurant reviews and articles for their “Best of” spread.  

Her experience as an administrator in the marketing field gave her the opportunity to write ads for a local business journal.

After a 20-year detour and a three-year season of adversity, God reignited her passion to write. Two divine appointments later, the short story she wrote about her father appeared in the St. Paul Almanac, and a short story about Gigi (her Cocker Spaniel) was published in Guideposts (magazine) Mysterious Ways. She believes her adversity was worth the lessons God taught her.

Since 2022, Sarah’s devotionals have been published in The Secret Place by Judson Press, as well as David C. Cook’s Devotions and The Quiet Hour. To this day, she smiles, pinches herself and gives God all the glory.

When she’s not writing, Sarah enjoys watching cooking shows, designing cards and mugs, and taking day trips.

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Connect with Sarah:
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SarahCo45835279
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.cole.52