GOD CARRIES US THROUGH OUR CIRCUMSTANCES

Psalm 107:23-32 says, "Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits' end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders." When we see waves in the oceans, have we ever wondered how they stop on the shores despite their massive waves? We have seen the display of their destructive powers when they crossed their borders through tsunamis. In 2004, approximately 230,000 people died during the tsunami caused by the earthquake in the Indian Ocean. It recorded that the waves were 10-story-high buildings, destroying and killing everything that was on their path.  

Despite their massive power, God still controls them. When Jesus was on the boat with His disciples, sleeping. A sudden storm came, causing big waves threatening to capsize the boat that they were in. The disciples cried to Jesus, and He immediately commanded the storm to stop, and it stopped right at His command (Luke 8:22-25). The waves can represent the struggles that we are going through. When we are going through difficult and painful times, we feel that 10-story-high waves are coming down on us, but let us remember that no matter how big the waves that we are facing in life, God is still in control. There are times we feel hopeless about our situations, but let us take courage because God has our lives in His hands, whether we feel it or not, because He is faithful. 

2026 is a new year, and no matter what we face this year, He will carry us through. We can always give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for us. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What does God do when I am overwhelmed with my situation? Why does God carry me through my difficult situations? What should be my response to God, knowing that He loves me faithfully? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for your faithful love and wonderful works that you do in my life. Please help me to completely trust you and not worry about this new year. No matter what happens, you will carry me through all my concerns. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.