Trusting in the Storms of Life

As I have been living the college life, I have realized how easy it is to put your confidence in yourself, or other people, or even circumstances and not on the One who is the only real confidence. I have really been struggling recently with contentment and realizing that I can't do anything of my own strength. I get really frustrated when things don't go as I have planned them out. I realized today through the student body, that my joy has not been full. I try to fill myself up with joy. . . .you can probably guess how well that went. When left to myself, friendships crumble, joy is barely there, it becomes a "grin and bear it" philosophy. Yesterday, God finally broke me. I was at work and I just poured my heart out to Him. I'm so glad for that passage of Scripture that says that Christ understands those groanings that cannot even be uttered. I gave all my cares and worries to Him. I gave my life back to Him (after pulling it back for the umpteenth time). And the words to a song popped into my head.


Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

Chorus:
God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows

Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise
As stars appear when day is dimming

If you really meditate on these words and let the truth of them sink in, you shouldn't have dry eyes, and your heart should be a puddle of goo. He DIED for me. Not only did He die for me, He CONQUERED DEATH for my sake. Living Gallery on campus was such a blessing. It made me realize that He is God. And no petty little circumstances or "bumps" in my road are a hindrance to Him. He will finish the work He started in me almost 16 years ago. My willingness to listen just makes it easier. Even if friends leave me and I'm "alone" humanly speaking, my Father is my very Best Friend and cares for me more than any human could anyways! Do I love Him enough to appreciate this every day? In the past I wouldn't have been able to say yes truthfully. But He still loves me. He will always be there. Like Mary said to Peter in the production tonight, "He is still alive, there is still hope!" He isn't finished with me yet. And why should I worry? He's holding my hand all the way. He's got me under His precious wings. I need to stop fighting, and just be still. . . .and know HE is God.