I woke up this morning excited to see the sun peeking through the clouds. We’re in the middle of a rainstorm here in Northern California, which, though needed, has been frustrating me in my desire to get outside and play in the yard. So this morning, when I discovered there was a break in the storm, I hurried to get dressed so I could go outside and enjoy some welcomed sunshine! The weather report is predicting more rain later today, but right now, between cloudbursts I am reveling in the excitement of this break. The birds are out, flitting here and there while they search for food and the daffodils, though still wet with rain, are standing tall, seemingly dancing as they face the bright sun. My cats are even taking advantage of this break while snoozing contentedly in the warm sun streaming through my windows.

This break in the storm reminded me of something a sweet friend said to me the other day. As she bounded in my door for a girl’s movie night, she said, “I almost feel guilty for having so much fun!” Oh, did that comment put a smile on my face! It was obvious that she was filled with joy from the Lord. What a gift it was to see her enjoying herself. You see, my friend is in the middle of a terrible storm. Filled with grief over the loss of her husband, she has been traveling the path that no one would choose. She has had many dark days, and nights, that I cannot even imagine. Grief, though necessary to experience on our journey to healing, is not a welcome emotion. But, I have also seen such strength in her. Though her sorrow is great, I have witnessed how she has leaned into and gained strength from the Lord.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

During this time of suffering, God has been tenderly caring for her, showering her with His love in a way that only He can. And so, when she joyfully entered my home the other day, I knew that God was giving her a much-needed break in the storm. What a gift!

We all need those. Sometimes the road we are traveling is wrought with treacherous terrain. Storms come unexpectedly and stop us in our tracks. As we weather the trials that come our way, we can sometimes feel as if there will be no end to our pain. However, God promises us that He is always with us. He is walking right by our side in our suffering. Often, He is carrying us when we feel we cannot take another step forward in the hurricane that has become our life.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

God promises us great joy ahead! There is always hope. As we turn to Him in our trials, pressing in and hanging on, He will protect us from the elements, which threaten to wear us down. When our days become the darkest, He will bless us with a break in the storm. Our grief is not gone, but as He comes alongside of us, He will comfort us and help us to see and feel the joy that He so lovingly gives us.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4


Leaning in,


24 Comments

  1. Hi Joan! I'm your "livefreeThursday neighbor! Thank you for this wonderfully uplifting post. My sister is walking in a storm right now as her husband has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. He is 56. I am going to save your inspiring words for her to read someday right when she needs them most! God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy! Thanks for stopping by from #LiveFreeThursday! I am so sorry that your sister is in the middle of a storm. 56 is so young...I'll be praying for God's comfort on her life and for strength and healing for her husband! May God give them both the strength they need in this storm! Blessings, Joan

      Delete
  2. God used you in your dear friend's life, that's for sure. Bless you both! Leaning in from welcomeheart - oh, and glad to find another CA blogger - wish it would keep raining! (San Luis Obispo)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Sue! There are a couple of us out there! LOL San Luis Obispo is a beautiful place. We used to live in Fresno and would travel there (and to Pismo Beach) often! I think the rain is headed your way! I'm glad you were encouraged through my post. Blessings to you!

    Leaning in, Joan

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful Post Joan. I am blessed and encouraged to hear that God is giving your girlfriend a break in the storm she's experiencing. It is amazing how God works to remind us that He is always near no matter what the circumstances. I love that verse in Isaiah 41..one of my favorites. In fact; my storm lead me to write about my faith and God's transforming power. Thank you for sharing what God has laid on your heart. So thankful to find your site via Thankful Thursday. May God continue to bless you and have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Horace! Yes, it is absolutely amazing how God works! It has been in the storms of my life when I have learned just how loving and compassionate God is! He never leaves our side and His mercies are new each day! What a blessing to be loved by Him. He is such a great God!

      Have a wonderful weekend, too! Joan

      Delete
  5. The picture of the daffodils is a great representation of a break in the storm. So happy to read about your friend's joy. I have been studying Acts and chapter 27 tells of the huge storm in Paul's life when he was being taken to Rome. God was with him. He walks with us through the tough times. You are right. We need to lean in. I'm your neighbor at Faith Filled Friday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Carol! That is a great example of God walking with us through trials. We can trust Him each day and through all things! Blessings for a wonderful weekend! Joan

      Delete
  6. It is great when going through dark times to see flashes of light, such as Isaiah 41:10, to know he is coming "alongside of us." Thanks for the reminder!

    Love the pics of the daffodils!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jerralea! Oh yes! It is such a comfort to know that we are not alone! He gives us such hope!

      Those little daffodils are getting rained on again right now as I type! But, by tomorrow we should have sun for the whole weekend!

      Blessings, Joan

      Delete
  7. Beautiful post, Joan! I write a lot about suffering in my blog, which is geared towards people who have chronic illnesses. I really love the way you captured the essence of "a break in the storm!" Thank you so much for sharing this story. I will be enjoying a break from my current storm (my mother's health situation) this weekend, so I can totally relate to your post! Blessings from your neighbor at Coffee for Your Heart. - Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda! I think that God gives us those breaks in order to strengthen us and build us up. They are reminders to us that He is with us and will never let us go!

      Have a wonderful weekend! Blessings, Joan

      Delete
  8. Beautiful reminder of the grace that can be found even in the midst of brokenness. Thank you, Joan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our God is so good to give us these much needed breaks! Thanks for stopping by, Michele!

      Blessings, Joan

      Delete
  9. Joan, I am so glad to hear your sweet friend getting a break. This is such an encouraging post, it really blessed my heart. Thank you for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is always good to remember that God will comfort us in the midst of our trials! What an encouragement that is!

      Blessings, Joan

      Delete
  10. What a beautifully written beautiful reminder. Thanks for sharing at TGI Saturdays.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Latisha! He is the peace (and the joy!) in the midst of the storm! Blessings, Joan

      Delete
  11. I love this! I love your heart!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Valerie! You and I both know how this "break in the storm" was a blessing for our friend! What a joy it is to have a God who loves us this much!

      Love, Joan

      Delete
  12. Lifting up my eyes to the hills...something I constantly remind myself to do daily. Keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus and not my circumstances. Beautiful encouragement.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our focus is so important. You are so right to remind yourself to keep lifting your eyes up to Him, Barbie! I'm so glad you were encouraged.

      Blessings, Joan

      Delete
  13. Hello Joan,
    It is so important to remember that the Lord walks with us through our adversities and comforts us with His love. Thanks for the lovely words of encouragement.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tona!

      Our God is such a good Father! He will always stay by our side!

      Blessings, Joan

      Delete

Join the conversation! (Be sure to add your first name so I know who I'm talking to!)