Why is it that we prepare for all kinds of storms physically but not mentally or spiritually? 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.

But what about the storms of life? The ones we know are coming and even the storms we don’t know are coming. How do we prepare for them?

Storms which include grieving the loss of a loved one, whether suddenly or not so suddenly.

Health issues or diagnosis.

The death of a loved one.

That thing that happened you never dreamed would and has changed your entire life from here on out.

Do we prepare for these like we do for physical storms?

What would it look like to prepare for the mental and emotional storms of life? Because Jesus guaranteed us they will 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, 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?

Preparing 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, have that break down, but still trust God for the strength to get through the storm. If you find this hard, think about Jesus when Lazarus died.

Did he tell those mourning or feeling the feelings to stop? No, he wept. He’s okay with it.

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, His word, and His strength for all of the storms of life. Physical, mental, and emotional.

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What will you do to prepare?

Father God,
Life can be so hard and draining. 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. Show me in Your Word what to hold onto, 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

© 2026 All Rights Reserved. Susan M. Clabaugh with Encouragement in Daily Living LLC