Today I will:
Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
Jesus once told the story of two builders: one who built his house on unstable, shifting sand; and the other who built his home on a foundation of solid rock. (See Matthew 7:24-27.) In the story a storm arose and hit both houses. Neither builder had a hope of avoiding the storm. However, at the end of it, the house on the rock still stood, even if slightly weather-beaten and in need of some small repairs. The other, however, had washed away, and nothing could be found of it but rubble.
We often forget that the tough times of this world can come upon us all and that following Jesus is not a promise of smooth sailing on continually sunny seas. We forget that the issue is not necessarily avoiding the storms, but getting safely to the other side. Many times that means making sure we have solidly founded our endeavors on Godly principles rather than on selfish desires. We must make sure we are not getting ourselves so lost in the details of life that we are blown this way or that with no fixed course through life.
In the midst of the storm, there is often little we can do but hang on and ride it out. However, it is also good to know that the One who calmed the seas is with us and by our sides to see us through. Pull on His strength to stand fum in your faith no matter how the circumstances appear.