Weekly Devotion: Trusting God in the Storms of Life

By: Asha Kennedy

How do we trust God in the storms of life?

In Psalms 55-59, David highlights his experiences with betrayal, fear, desire for vengeance, dependence on God, and God’s protection. David cries out to God for deliverance from these horrors. His prayers and laments to God prove the dependence David had for God to deliver him from the troubles he faced. 

How do we trust God and turn from fear when all seems hopeless? It’s a question that resonates when you’ve been faced with challenging circumstances that seem to come one after another. How do we trust God in the storms of life especially when it comes to losing a child, a devastating diagnosis, an unexpected hospital stay, or in a trying season of infertility?

God wants us to depend on Him for the needs we have. We should rely on God’s provision during the joyous moments and through the chaos caused by the storms of life. David encourages himself with God’s promises and takes refuge in God. Psalm 57:1 states, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by.” This is while David is hiding from Saul in a cave. Even though David recognizes the grave danger he faces, he chooses to praise God and trust His plan. 

If you’re navigating a high-risk pregnancy, infertility, postpartum depression, a child’s illness or hospitalization, or even the unimaginable loss of a child, living in faith and trusting God’s plan over your life can feel impossible. No matter the storm you’re facing, God will provide a way through the darkness! Be encouraged by David’s declaration in chapter 59, verse 17: “O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.” Sing praises to our holy Creator and find refuge in His unfailing love for you and your child(ren)! 

You may be navigating one of the lowest points of life right now, 

or you may be in the middle of seeing how God brought you out of a situation. 

No matter where you are, know that trusting God with your story and your salvation is the only way to true peace and joy. We are seen and loved by our Creator!

I know it can be hard to trust God in the midst of the storms of life, especially when it just seems that it’s rainy days from here on out, but do not be discouraged. Take heart in knowing that Jesus provided a way out of the pain, shame, and darkness of this world and all the grief it brings us. Trust in God as He provides you with refuge under His wings. Trust God with your circumstances and see Him as the source of light and the salvation soon to come!

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Remind me there is nothing on earth that happens that You haven’t written or do not know. May the words of Psalm 57:11 continue to ring true: “Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.” Let me sing Your praises and have gladness in my heart! May I not seek vengeance against my adversaries but allow me to depend on You to fight my battles. Equip me with Your holy word to light my path as I go about my day. As I journey through this storm, remind me that You are near. I pray that I will find rest and peace as I continue to learn to trust in Your ways as You hold my life in Your hands. Thank you for forgiving my transgressions. Guide me along the path You have set for me. Give me strength to turn to You, especially during the storms of life. Thank you for the redeeming work of Christ on the cross. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Dig Deeper into How to Navigate What is Ahead with Real Hope

Reflection Questions:

1. David repeatedly turns to God in prayer and in his laments. What does your prayer life look like when you’re facing a crisis?

2. We learn that God collects our tears in a bottle and knows our concerns. How does this bring you comfort in what you’re currently facing or have endured in the past?

Put Your Faith Into Action:

The suffering and pain we experience makes it easy to draw our attention away from God’s promises, leaving us to wonder if God cares. Remember the reminders that God gives believers in this week’s readings: He is always near, He hears us, our tears are counted, and always depend on Him for chaos and joy.

This week, take time to reflect on God’s goodness. Be like David and cry out to our Heavenly Father. Be reminded that He is our refuge. When trouble surrounds you, ask God for immediate wisdom and/or protection.

Take time to sit in stillness each day for at least 5 minutes to meditate on God’s Word. Be encouraged that Psalm 57:9 says, “My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help. This I know: God is on my side!” God has not left you alone to fight what you’re up against. Turn to God, give Him your sorrows, and He will take care of you in your most dire needs.

Further Reading:

John 14: 16-17

Matthew 28:20

Verse to meditate on and memorize:

Psalm 139:7 “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?”

​​Asha Kennedy lives in Texas with her black lab mix, Whiskey. She's mother to Kennedy Grace, in Heaven. Asha volunteers with Praying Through ministries because she's seen the work of the ministry first-hand and wishes to give back just a portion of what the ministry has done for her; she's been blessed with prayer, encouragement, and fellowship and hopes to do the same in her volunteer service.