Gò0dNews for Everyone
Learning to Weather the Storm
G
by Barbara McGirt
ray clouds and shifting winds are good indicators
need in the midst of a spiritual storm? When we keep the
that rain is on the way. Many people dread rainy
lines of communication open between us and God, we can
days, as they are dark, cold, and often prevent fun
be prepared for anything. Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to
activities from occurring. Outdoor parties are cancelled,
pray “always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”
camping trips are postponed, and play dates are scratched.
Without prayer, our soul is sure to feel the brutal cold of
While rainy days are typically predictable, at times, the rain
Satan’s attacks.
seems to come out of nowhere. Isn’t it strange how these
It’s safe to say that rainy days are not fun: neither the
unexpected storms seem to occur the day you forgot your
physical ones nor the spiritual ones. We can’t do much about
umbrella or rain coat? Without the usual signs of rain, most people don’t plan for unexpected showers, and they get soaked. Life can often play out like an unexpected rainy day. For the most part, we all keep our emotions in check. However, there are days when out of nowhere, tears and sadness flood our souls. These are the days when we can’t seem to get out of our own head and away from tormenting thoughts that pour in like a torrential rain. Emotionally rainy days are absolutely no fun. Yet, with the proper spiritual gear, they can be weathered. God’s Word is our spiritual umbrella. Just as an umbrella keeps physical rain from soaking our clothes, God’s Word protects our spiritual mind
the physically rainy days, but there is much we can do about
and body. As we cover our mind with verses such as “…
the spiritual ones. Immersing ourselves in God’s Word and
we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”
rehearsing Scripture in our hearts and minds will provide
(Romans 8:37), we are protected from downpours of doubt
the spiritual protection we need when the floods of fear,
and fear. Before we feel the first wet drizzle of “Nobody
depression, or anger bombard us. Wrapping ourselves up in
loves you!” we can cover ourselves with “For God so loved
prayer brings the joy of intimate moments alone with God.
the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).
Prayer also frees our mind from the worry and anxiety that
Scriptures are a necessity if we are to endure the spiritual
accompanies spiritual thunderstorms. Through God’s Word
deluge that Satan so often sends our way.
and prayer, we can prepare ourselves for the unexpected
Prayer is like a spiritual rain coat. Time spent with God
spiritual storms that come our way.
in prayer makes us feel warm and protected despite the God promises us His peace as we bring our needs to Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). Isn’t peace exactly what we
36 // October 2020
About The Author
bitter cold that often accompanies a spiritually rainy season. Barbara McGirt worked in full-time pastoral ministry alongside her husband Jeff for over 20 years. She holds an MA in Ministry Studies from Lee University and currently serves as a Cataloger for Squires Library. Barbara is involved in Children’s Ministry at Mt. Olive Ministries in Cleveland, Tennessee.
