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Just a week ago, I thought I planned well.

• The change of clothes was in my workout bag. Check.
• My extra water bottle is ready and in the car. Check.
• People set up to meet and play pickleball tonight. Check.

Suddenly I noticed the sky. It was getting darker, and the clouds seemed threatening. This storm could dampen my yard and my spirits and that’s when I checked my weather app. The forecast looked bad. Possible hail and tornadoes were predicted again. It seemed like whenever I tried to schedule something fun, that could redirect life to the new activities I’ve been trying to cultivate, a storm would appear. I’m a sunshine sort of girl. Suddenly, sadness stirred up inside me again. During storm season I too often refocus on my personal storms in life. Memories flood my mind of the loss of my husband, and the storms his loss had brought my way resurface.

My thoughts shifted from anticipation and positive life change to disappointment.

Emotionally, I had to focus on prayer and seek shelter in God’s word. I was reminded of the time Christ was asleep in the boat with his disciples. A great storm arose on the sea and suddenly the boat was covered with waves.

“And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing!’ He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?’ Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea and it became perfectly calm.”
Matthew 8:25-26

The storms from widowhood are just so similar.

I often see the waves of problems and struggles surrounding me and somehow think God does not realize how great these needs are. The details required to settle an estate, and the decisions necessary to move forward could consume me. Deciding how to financially manage the change that has appeared in this new life I have is daunting. I can focus on the positives and remember just as Jesus rebuked the waves for the disciples in that boat, He can protect and provide for my needs each moment. He surrounds me with a community of believers that I can get wisdom from. I need to listen to the Lord and shift my thoughts to what His word says. A verse from Proverbs comes to mind.

“The mind of man plans his way,
but the Lord directs his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9

I’m good at the planning part. But allowing the Lord to direct my steps, when I am convinced my plans should go off without a hitch, that’s another story. When a looming deadline or choice is hovering over me, I can only look up. In my heart, I know His plans are best.

When faced with unexpected storms weather-related or personal, it’s important to shift my thoughts from my problems and storms to the Lord. His power, presence, and protection are always available. I need to step out in faith clinging to His word. Only when I lean into Him can I find peace and purpose for my future.

Lord,

Shift our focus to one of faith in you and your promises for the decisions and choices we face. As we make our plans, lead us and direct each step. Give us your presence and show us your power as we move forward in faith. May we always trust you and know that you are good and will provide protection and refuge from the storms and struggles each day.

In Jesus’s Name.

Amen