Some situations in life can leave us at the mercy of other people. A difficult boss, an abusive partner or even manipulating adult children can leave us feeling trapped in a job, a marriage, or a relationship. Tough circumstances often rob us of believing God is our helper because we don’t feel it in our present situation.

God’s Word gives us some clear guidance for those times in life when the sun does not shine in our circumstances and thunder storms invade our lives.

God tells us to pray. It can sound so trite when we are in the thick of the storm. Yet there is great wisdom in it. Listen to what He says…

“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5-7).

Prayer is the vehicle that will help us keep our heads in trying times. Stress can have us all over the board with scattered thinking. Focusing on God can bring a peace that will steady us even in the fiercest of storms.

God’s Word doesn’t just tell us to pray and leave us there to figure it out. He tells us how to pray. Psalm 37 brings us much wisdom as we walk in troubled times. There are 5 steps we can take as we pray. Through them we will find the reality of God’s power in our lives.

1)         TRUST in the Lord. (Psalm 37:3)

When hard times are on us our faith is challenged in new ways. God reminds us over and over “do not fret”. He acknowledges evil men exist yet He calls us to put our trust in Him. Don’t just believe in God. Believe God is who He said He is and that He will keep you and give you strength and wisdom. Be persuaded He is able…even in the storm.

  “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day” ( 2 Tim. 1:12).

2)         DELIGHT yourself in the Lord. (Psalm 37:4)

Feeding on the faithfulness of God is hard when you are in a storm. David voiced the difficulty in his own storm yet turned his eyes to God. 

“Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I awake again, because the Lord sustains me” (Psalm 3:2-5).

3)         COMMIT your way to the Lord. (Psalm 37:5)

Put your hand in God’s hand with trust that He will guide you. Give Him every aspect of your storm and believe He will guide you through it.

“Casting all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

4)         BE STILL before the Lord. (Psalm 37:7)

Being still in hard circumstances is not an easy task. Yet when we move forward in trusting God and finding our help and comfort in Him we learn the value of being still in His presence. The darkest times in life can push us in desperation to God. Sit in His presence and allow Him to fill up your empty soul. Allow Him to soothe your battered emotions. Allow Him to give you strength in every weak place you see in yourself. Begin to dwell in the shelter of His presence. Stop and go there. Learn to live there.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust” (Psalm 91:1 & 2).

5)         REFRAIN from anger and turn from wrath. (Psalm 37:8)

Anger and bitterness are natural reactions when we find ourselves at the mercy of other people. Yet God tells us these reactions only lead to evil. If you are in danger in a situation…make arrangements to get out.  Make the changes necessary if you need to distance yourself from harm. Storms can make our hearts hard if we aren’t careful. Don’t let your anger take residence in your heart. Get some outside help in finding practical solutions to your situation. This will  help as you guard your heart.

“Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

Depend on God to help you guard your heart and bring His peace to your soul. Ask Him to guide you to practical help in your particular circumstance. God cares. He will never forsake you. Lean hard on Him for wisdom and strength. The reality of the power of the Holy Spirit in your life will amaze you!

“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).

Gail Rodgers

~  Gail Rodgers  has a passion for discovering and sharing how the Scriptures apply in very practical ways  where we live and walk each day. She is a wife, mother of three, businesswoman and a pastor to women. She resides in Alberta, Canada with her family.  Visit Gail's website at  www.gailrodgers.ca.