​Are you anxious about Hurricane Florence? Then read this ...

For some people their anxiety might be on overload as Hurricane Florence heads our way.

So, I wanted to take a second to encourage them by sharing some tips and pray for those that might be a little anxious in the coming hours and days. 

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Anxiety is real. It can be paralyzing. And if you're a follower of Jesus and deal with anxiety, it doens't mean -- as some people might have told you -- that you don't have enough faith or that there is sin in your life. As Charles Stanley once said, "While feeling anxious is not a sin, the Lord doesn't want us to live in a continual state of dread because of life's uncertainties."

That's why I'm writing this, Jesus doesn't want us to live in a continual state of dread or fear, especially of the unknown. He holds tomorrow. 

There are quite a few uncertainties for most all of us in the coming days. So, here are some tips I think might help us all get through the storm. 

1. Make preparations and get your family ready by buying some emergency supplies, water and non-perishable foods to have on hand. Not sure what to buy? Google it or you can check the South Carolina Emergency Management Division's website at SCEMD.org. Once you get your supplies and food, that will be one less thing that you will have to worry about. It's better to prepare and not need it, than to procrastinate and be without. 
2. Watch the news, catch the latest updates and then turn the channel (or turn the TV off completely). Sitting in front of the TV watching constant chatter about the storm can only build anxiety.
3. Listen to some music. 
4. Read a book. 
5. Put your device down and talk to your loved ones around you.
6. Call and check on a loved one. 
7. Read your Bible or devotional. 
8. Spend some time in prayer. Pray for the first responders who will be out in the storm; the lineman who will be working to repair lines after the storm; for those in the path of the storm; that people will heed the warnings and prepare and for those living alone, the elderly, etc. 

When I think of storms, I think of one of my favorite stories in the Bible, which is found in Mark 4:35-41. 

(35) On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” (36) And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. (37) And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. (38) But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (39) And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (40) He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (41) And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Here are a few takeaways: 

1. In verse 35, Jesus says, "Let US go across to the other side." Jesus with them. He knew the storm was coming and that they'd make it to other side.
2. Jesus didn't come to die in a boating accident, He came to die on the cross of Calvary. His mission wasn't complete. 
3. As the storm arose, they forgot that Jesus was right there in the boat with them. How often to do we forget that Jesus is with us in middle of life's storms -- both the physical and spiritual storms that we face? 
4. All Jesus has to do is speak and the waves and seas obey His command. Speak, Lord Jesus, speak! 

That also reminds of a phrase I've heard and tucked away, "Sometimes He calms the storm, sometimes He calms His child." Make that your prayer in the coming days. 

As we prepare to go through one of the strongest Hurricanes that this area has seen in nearly 30 years (Hurricane Hugo), remember that Jesus is with you, just call out to Him!

Music is an important part of my life, so I'd like to share two songs that I enjoy that talk about storms. 

The Old Paths sing a song called, "I Of The Storm," and this portion of the song is encouraging ... 

He's the I of the storm
The center of my calm
The place where I find shelter
The place where I find warmth
The center of my ways
The keeper of my days
When I can't feel the sun shine
And my ship is tossed and torn
He's the I of the storm

Listen to the song, click here. 

Another song is called, "Eye Of The Storm," which Mercy's Hand trio (a local group from Sumter) did recently during a concert at Bible Fellowship Church. It goes like this ... 

In the eye of the storm
You remain in control
And in the middle of the war
You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor
When my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me 
In the eye of the storm

To listen to a version of this song, click here. 

Lastly, here is a prayer for you and your family: 

Heavenly Father, protect all those in the path of this storm. Thank you for technology that we have warnings. I pray that people will heed the warnings and prepare. Help people to find shelter. I pray for those evacuating to higher ground and safer places, give them traveling mercies to safely get to their destinations. Be with the emergency workers as they are away from their families and helping other people in need. Be with the linemen as they restore power after the storm. Send willing souls to help with the clean up efforts, protect them as they minister. Send water and supplies through the various groups, churches and organizations from distant places to help those in need. And help us to not focus on the storm, but on you. Grant us safety and peace as we hunker down in the coming days. Help this storm to pass quickly. In Jesus name I pray, Amen! 

Were you encouraged by this post?
​Then please share it with someone you know. 

Keep looking up! 
Psalm 121:1-2

-Pastor Chris