Times spent in a blizzard

 

Life’s storms, as described in Psalm 46, can feel like blizzards—blinding and relentless, leaving us disoriented and desperate for safety. In the chaos of strong winds and the white-out of snow, it becomes difficult to see what lies ahead or even comprehend the comfort being offered. The psalmist reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). When survival seems to hinge on simply taking the next step, we often cry out to God in the most honest and heartfelt way: “Help!” It is here, amidst the turmoil, that we reach for the One who is immovable, unshaken by the winds, and unclouded by the blizzard's fury. God sees through what we cannot; He knows our limits and allows us to endure just enough to recognize that our strength alone is insufficient.

The storms serve as a reminder that true peace, strength, and refuge are found in Him alone. Even when it feels like the very ground beneath us is crumbling and the waters of life are perilous as the ice crakes and we are in danger of plunging into the ice cold water, we are assured: “Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:2). Our confidence is not in our ability to weather the storm but in the unshakable presence of God who “will help [us] when morning dawns” (Psalm 46:5).

In the heart of the storm, when the winds howl and the frost bites, we may feel as though we are at our breaking point. Yet, God is not moved by the chaos around us. He is sovereign, commanding stillness even in the fiercest of trials: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). His voice calms the storm within us, even when the storm outside persists. In those moments, we begin to understand that it is not about escaping the storm but learning to trust the One who walks with us through it.

When the storm finally passes, the stillness and calm reveal His power and faithfulness. “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:7). In the aftermath, as we take stock of the journey, we are often most awed by the peace that follows. It is in this quiet that we give thanksgiving to a Father who not only carried us through but also used the storm for our growth. The pain and uncertainty we endured have refined us, deepening our reliance on Him and teaching us where true strength and safety are found.

In the calm after the storm, gratitude wells up within us—for the shelter God provided, for the prayers He answered, and for the ways He used others to support us. We give thanks for our families, church communities, and friends who reflected God’s love and care during the storm. Most of all, we thank our Heavenly Father, who is in complete control of our future. He holds every moment in His hands, and His purposes are always for our good. Though the storm tested us, it could not overwhelm us because we were anchored in Him.

As we look back, we are reminded that every storm has a purpose. It reveals our need for God, strengthens our faith, and leads us to deeper thanksgiving. The psalmist’s words echo in our hearts: “Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear…” (Psalm 46:8-9). Just as He calms the raging seas, He calms our hearts and reminds us of His sovereignty. May we always give thanks to the Father who remains steadfast in every storm and trust Him to guide us into His peace and purposes.  

The promise of God being with us is most certainly for those who have put their trust in Him and have placed their faith and lives in the hands of Jesus. These promises of walking through the blizzards of life and finding refuge in His presence are reserved for those who have been received into His family. I do not want to mislead anyone into thinking these assurances are for those outside of God’s family. If you are unsure of your standing or have not made that step to be a part of His family, I hope you will do so before your storms begin to rage. God invites you to trust in Him, to find refuge in His unchanging love, and to experience the peace that only He can provide.

PSALM 46 ESV

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present^[b] help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
    God will help her when morning dawns.
⁶ The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord,
    how he has brought desolations on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the chariots with fire.
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”
¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.