HOPE in the Storm

Hope in the Storm…

One of my favorite pictures in my home is of an eagle flying high above a forest of trees. The print skips over the reveal of the double mat and continues to the edge of the frame, giving the art a three-dimensional effect. Even though the landscape with the eagle is breathtaking, the verse inscribed in the center gives it significant meaning. During my teen years, I found hope in the words of Isaiah 40:31, and by clinging to God’s promise through this scripture, it helped me keep the anxiety attacks at bay that often accompanied my OCD. I suppose I was seventeen or eighteen years old when I caught sight of this eagle picture in the aisleway of the mall. It was then, when my mother saw me staring at it, that I shared with her how that verse helped me through those storms. Later, she returned to the mall and purchased it as a gift for me. I still have this framed print in my home as it reminds me of how God’s promise held me steady in the midst of a turbulent time in my life.

Of course, the Apostle Paul was no stranger to storms. The book of Acts details one storm as Paul is being transported as a prisoner aboard a ship heading for Rome. At one point, the crew is in fear the ship will crash against the rocks, so they throw out four anchors to hold it steady. In Acts 27:29, Luke writes, “Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day” (KJV). But if we read the entire chapter, we already know that Paul has received assurance from God that he and the crew will make it (See Acts 27:22-24 KJV). Paul clings to the promise of God. He even tells the crew in Acts 27:25, “… for I believe God…” (KJV).

However, as that was an example of a literal storm, Paul faced constant tribulation during his ministry, yet through the raging waters, he remained steadfast in his faith. His anchor throughout his persecution was the hope given through the Savior. As Paul wrote his last letter in that prison cell, he states, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day…” (2 Timothy 4:8 KJV).

Friends, our hope is in Christ. He is the anchor that will allow us to weather the storm, regardless of the size of the waves. As Hebrews 6:19 declares, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul…” (KJV). As Jesus gave His life on the cross, bearing the burden of our sins, and defeated death as He was resurrected, we can now look to the day that we will have no more tears or pain. We can look to the day just as Paul did, knowing that we will spend eternity with our Savior.

In the depths of the sea, our hope is in Christ. And when the ravaging winds and pelting rain try to steal our hope, we can cling to the promises in His Word. Isaiah 40:31 was one of His promises that filled me with hope and gave me strength in the battle with my OCD. What verses have given you hope in the midst of a storm?