Stream Stories

Check out this peaceful stream from the mountains of New Hampshire:

The water flows gently over and around rocks and boulders, and then under a fallen tree. That tree tells a story of at least one not-so-peaceful day in the stream’s timeline!

The debris caught by the fallen tree is evidence of how storms affect the depth and strength of the flowing brook. It’s not so pretty.

But the day of our visit, the stream was again flowing peacefully.

There are days (sometimes seasons, and sometimes even years) when we’re caught up in raging storms of life. We think things will never settle down again, and we’ll be swept away forever in the roiling current!

But those storms don’t last forever. The more storms we endure, the more we learn that there will be an end, and peace will return. We may look far different than we did before the storm hit (More wrinkles? More gray hair? More scars?), but we learn to trust the One who goes through the storm with us.

After all, He slept in a boat in the middle of a crazy storm when his friends were afraid of dying!

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”

Luke 8:22-25 NLT

So today, if a storm is buffeting you about, look up. You are not alone. The storm may not end as soon as you want it to, but your Creator will carry you through.

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.

1 Chronicles 16:11

If today you are in a time of peace and rest, look up and thank God for getting you here!

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

Psalm 23:1-3

No matter what’s going on in your life right now, pray that God would use you to point others to his love, peace, and grace.