Storm Warning

As Hurricane Irene threatened to touch down, the East Coast prepared for the deluge. Shore communities were evacuated, and in many inland communities, windows were boarded and outdoor possessions were tied down. One local business owner, who had recently invested in an impressive LED billboard display outside his store, reprogrammed it to read, “Irene, please don’t knock down my sign!”

As public officials preemptively declared states of emergency and grounded airplanes and mass transit, the public response ranged from cautious to panicked. Just gauging the emotions of my own friends and neighbors, I noted that the more prepared folks felt, the less worried they seemed to be about the storm. Isn’t that much like our spiritual state of being?

Whether faced with a personal situation or emotional tragedy, our spiritual preparedness usually determines how we will deal with it. We may be less likely to freak out or completely “lose it” when we are tied down with the Word and boarded up with faith. And with a good spiritual grounding, we know that whatever the outcome, God is in control and our trust is in Him.

Before the hurricane, many of us ensured our inventory of water, flashlights, batteries, and other essentials were accessible. Right now, it’s time to take inventory of our lives. Proverbs 10:25 assures us, “When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.”

Let’s make sure our spiritual resources are readily available in the event we’re faced with the storms of life!