Read: Isaiah 12

In the 2000 movie “The Perfect Storm” the true story is told of the Andrea Gail commercial fishing vessel.  This vessel was lost at sea in 1991 during a storm that brought many elements together at the same time to create perfect conditions for a devastating storm.  The crew of the Andrea Gail were caught in that storm that produced 40 foot high waves in hurricane winds and driving rain.  No one survived.  One of the problems for the vessels crew was that they took too many risks and eventually lost contact with others who could help during the storm.

In many ways 2020 has felt like the perfect storm to us.  A worldwide pandemic, racial tensions, a presidential election, protests, riots, and many other unknowns have all come together at the same time.  How do we face this storm?  We need to take care and we need to keep in contact with the one of who can help us through this time.  In Isaiah 12 we are told, “God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid.”  These circumstances we face are concerning and should be taken seriously, but they are less troublesome when we think about placing ourselves in the hands of God.

As David Roper once wrote, “If our world and our lives were governed by a thoughtless and indifferent force, we would have good reason to fear.  But the hands that control the universe, God’s hands, are wise and compassionate.  We can trust them in spite of our circumstances and not be afraid.”  We can call 2020 a perfect storm or we can call it a perfect opportunity for us to grow our faith and trust in the Lord.  Isaiah 12:2 says, “The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense, he has become my salvation.” 

Make it Personal:  How are you handling 2020 now that we are half way through it?  Are you depressed, frustrated, impatient, angry, or scared of what the future holds?  I think many of us have dealt with some of those feelings this year.  Continue to pray and continue to look to Jesus during this time, he has seen other generations through many perfect storms and he will see us through ours.  Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)!