dennis j adams

Life is not, again, it is not a walk in the park. There are really great times and then there are really intense times. One can represent the “mountain” experience where you are at the feet of the Father, worshiping and seeking His wisdom! The other, you are in a “dark forest”, noises all around that seem to cause concern and doubt that you are safe. Do not be surprised if you spend a certain amount of time, usually more than you seem to think is necessary, in the “dark forest”. Life truly is an experience that can uproot your plans and also plant deep in your heart, wisdom and hope. God does care for you and I, deeply and compassionately. His great and unsurpassed love for His creation is proven in His gift of Jesus to all!

I truly love the story of the disciples in the ship with Jesus! Jesus is asleep and the storm hits! The boat and everyone on it are being tossed to and fro like straw in a twirling wind! Yet, Jesus is asleep, at rest, comfortable, not paying any attention to the storm. But, his disciples, who He has mentored and nurtured, are in fear of loosing everything! What do they do? They wake Him up and He responds to them by a rebuke and an act of overcoming faith, calming the winds! The storm is over Jesus is awake! (Matthew 8:23-28) How often do the storms of life spin you around and you become dizzy and confused in your purpose? The very depth of His presence is with us at all times. 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3 ESV)

Psalm 121 brings into our lives a promise of His never failing protection and everlasting attention to each of us. The things we learn are for the pure existence of faith in our lives. First, we need to look up and not into the storm. You will find Him looking into your desire and need! Secondly, you will find the He is always ready to protect you, even if you were going to stub your toe! The next eternal lesson is the coolest for me: He is always awake! I do not need to wake Him up and tell Him I am in the storm of my life! He knows it and He is able to repair the “life” boat. Best of all, He is willing to do it because He loves us so much! He is the “keeper” of all that we are, day or night! He is protecting us. Psalm 91 tells us to embark on the trail abiding under His wing, actually in the shadow of it! Becasue He travels with us! So as you go and as you come, He is sustaining and protecting. Life, which is a gift from Him, was tarnished in the Garden but repaired at Calvary. Life is up to God! Our responsibility is to live it to the fullest as He leads us through the “dark forest” and up to the Throne of Grace! We can enter in boldly, with faith, realizing that He is and we believe that He will!

Next time that you are at your favorite coffee shop, or restaurant, look around at life! Not everyone that breathes knows the promise that is alive in you! They are looking for someone to wake up and calm their storm. Share a moment with them and express to them that He is awake and ready, willing, and able to calm their storm. Furthermore, He is actually going to lead them into an experience that will never end!

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1Peter 4:12-13 ESV)

Dennis