Why is it that we prepare for all kinds of storms physically but not mentally? For example, about 20 years ago we had the threat of a large tornado outbreak here in the Midwest. This was not the typical tornado drill but the threat of large F5 tornadoes. In preparation, many people made sure they had safe places to go and as soon as they heard the direction the storm was heading, they gathered their families and made their way to protection.

Growing up in the Midwest, being prepared for bad weather is just a necessity. Knowing you have a safe place to go during a tornado warning or prepping your home and car for significant winter weather- including snow, ice and freezing temperatures – is a must.

I am pondering this today because it’s February 27 and by 3 PM it will be about 74° in Missouri where I’m located. However, after 3 o’clock the temperature begins dropping until tomorrow morning we are in the single digit windchills.

It made me begin to think about the storms in life. The ones I know are coming and even the storms I don’t know are coming, and how do I prepare for them?

Storms which it include grieving the loss of a loved one, whether suddenly or not so suddenly. Anniversaries of the death of a loved one. Anniversaries of traumatic experiences.

Do I prepare for these like I do for physical storms? No, I can’t say I have much, but that needs to change. What would it look like to prepare for the mental and emotional storms of life? We are guaranteed they are going to come.

The Bible says “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We’re promised in the Bible hard times are going to come. I’m not surprised about that anymore, but why don’t we feel the need to prepare our minds and our hearts for all these storms?

It means hiding the truth of God‘s word in our heart and mind by reading it each day, or as often as we can, and memorizing scripture and remembering God‘s constant faithfulness through the storms in the Bible. Whether it was the disciples in the boat, the lion’s den, or the wilderness; God has promised when we choose to follow Him, He will take care of us. He takes care of even the birds, so how much more will He take care of us?

Prepping our hearts and minds involves keeping the close relationship with God. Spending time in His presence and filling up with Him and His strength.

Preparing our hearts and minds also looks like allowing rest and allowing the feelings of grief when they come up. Allowing yourself the grace to feel the feelings, and process the emotions, and trust God for the strength to get through the storm.

I know even just from experience in my own life we all have storms, but they’re never going to last forever. Even if a storm doesn’t end on earth, it will end when we leave this earth. We have this promise if we know Jesus.

So today I’m going challenge you to do what I’m challenging myself. To give myself grace and rest. Spending more time coming to God. Allowing Him to fill me with Him and His strength for all of the storms of life. Physical, mental, and emotional.

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This will include continuing with counseling, reading God’s word, and asking for Him to speak to me, surrounding myself with those who will pray for me, and draw me closer to God, and not further away.

Father God,
Life can be so hard and draining and I hate anniversaries that bring grief. I ask You today to fill me with Your peace and Your love. I ask You to help me continue every day to draw close to You and remain and stay in You. To abide in You always and believe You will see me through every single storm of this life. Whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional that You are how I get through it. Continue to surround me with those who can support me and help me be a support to others in their storms as well.
I ask all this in Jesus’ name,
Amen

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