When we look at the word “STORM,” the dictionary meaning is: a disturbance of the atmosphere marked by wind and usually rain, snow, hail, sleet or thunder and lightning.

As I took a closer look at the word S.T.O.R.M., eventually its meaning caused me to write this post. I see the word as “Strange Thoughts Over-Taking Renewed Minds.” In this season of the storm we must take a close view because as it is in the physical so it is in the spiritual. We must be alert at all times before massive damages take place.

My Pastor always says storms knows no season, they only last for a season, which means they come to us at any stage in our lives. Just think for a moment of the chaos “Katrina” caused when she came into New Orleans in the US. Many people lost their lives, family members even lost their homes, and now “Irene”—who recently left New York, has caused some damage of her own. I thank God that people were forewarned, for it didn’t result in as many deaths—mostly flooding.

In Psalm 30:5 the writer declares that weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Many might not be around when the morning comes, but that is Gods’ Word states that joy will be here awaiting those who will see the morning.

Much like our preparations for our ever-changing weather, we must constantly renew our mind before it is over-taken by a storm of life. We must make sure and put on our armor. Every piece is important, but I will focus on the “Helmet of Salvation.” For it protects the strategic control center of the body, which is the mind. Once the enemy has a foothold in your mind, he has your entire body. For your mind is a battlefield, therefore we have to constantly cast down imaginations and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God—bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

As believers, we can have the assurance that even though the storm will come upon the sea of our life, we don’t have to worry or be afraid. Once we’ve placed our trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, He promises to take good care of us (Romans 12:2).

Remember, with Jesus as your Captain, you can smile at the Storm!

—submitted by Jacqui Doyle, US