Devotionals

Safely Held In The Winds of Adversity

by Cheryl Weber
12/30/24
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This Christmas season, our next-door neighbors placed an inflatable Santa and snowman in their front yard. Though the figures were anchored down, they bobbed and swayed in the wind and sometimes ended up flat on the ground, a rather amusing sight.

Although inflatable decorations have no consciousness, we as human beings can feel pummeled by the winds of adversity. We struggle to remain emotionally and spiritually upright amid the gales of financial woes, health crisis, broken relationships, shattered dreams, besetting sins, and many other types of difficulties. Add to that the turmoil and mounting chaos in our nation and our world and we can feel panicked and overwhelmed. We wonder what the new year might bring.

But we can look instead to God who knows the future, including even the words we will speak (Psalm 139:4) and he is not overwhelmed or panicked. He, the eternal God, is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble and his everlasting arms are underneath us. (Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalms 46:1) 1 John 5:18 says that Jesus holds us securely and “the evil one cannot touch [us].” NLT

The Scriptures contain so many more encouraging passages that remind us of God’s loving presence in the midst of trials. The author of Psalms 73:22-24 says that despite his foolishness and ignorance, “I still belong to you [God]; you hold my right hand.You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” NLT 

God’s love, wisdom, and power are more than a match for anything we may face throughout our lives. We can find hope and purpose, strength and guidance as we focus on his presence and love and on his promises found in Scripture. Along with the psalmist in Psalms 16:8, we can say, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” NLT

PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, thank you that you never abandon me in the winds of adversity but that you shield, comfort, strengthen, and guide me. Help me to trust in you every day. AMEN