The storm rages day after day.

The waves toss me to and fro. 

Darkness consumes me; it seems to be my only companion. 

How long will this tempest last?

My strength is failing as I try to stay afloat.

All I can think about is trying to survive. 

Is there anyone out there to help me? 

I am lost at sea, not knowing where I am. 

Someone… anyone… save me!

~

I am the One who speaks through the storm, 

I am the One who hears you cry out in the night. 

Although you have been shrouded in darkness, 

The light will come. 

Even if you feel as if you will break at any moment, 

Your help is here. 

I am Jesus. I will save you:

   From the despair that grips you, pulling you to the bottom of the ocean.

   From the chaos that drifts you out to the middle of nowhere.

   From the restlessness in not knowing where you are headed next.

I am your refuge, your strength, your guide. 

I am the anchor for your soul. 

~

But Lord, I am still battling these tumultuous waters, 

There’s nothing more I can do. 

Although I wait, I wait for my demise. 

I know you are able; calm the seas like you have done in times past.

Make it stop so I can reach my destination. 

I want to go where you send me. 

~

Why calm the sea if only for a moment? 

Why still the waters if you have not grasped how to ride out the storm? 

Yes, this too shall pass… but not today. 

That day will come, but there’s much to learn here and now. 

I am perfecting you through the trials you face, 

Those waves that crash over you will not overtake you, 

For I am with you. 

Your lack of strength is what allows me to move, 

And for you to see the glory come through. 

The darkness clouds your need for direction.

Wait for the light to break, it will come. 

Let down the anchor of hope. 

   My Word secures you from being carried off to the open waters.

   My plans for you keep you from being shipwrecked.

   My presence gives you fullness of joy to endure the crashing waves. 

Trust me that I have a purpose in the waiting,

And I will take you out of the furious squall.

Know that I care for you, and you will sail smoothly again. 

For now, 

   Take my Word, 

   Be still in hopeful expectation, 

   And let down the anchor. 

I am with you through this until the end.

______________________________________________________________________________

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Have a blessed week!