(Note: This first posted on July 11, 2024.)
Living Unafraid in the Storms of Life
by Grace Fox
The bus on which I was a passenger cruised east through the rugged Rocky Mountains before turning north. We drove through miles of rolling sage-covered hills and acres of evergreens charred by recent forest fires, past lakes and log cabins, and alongside rivers and expansive ranches where cattle grazed.
I’d traveled this road more than fifteen times and always marveled at the scenery’s beauty, but this time I saw something different: ominous black clouds. I’ve seen rain clouds many times in my life, but they never looked like this. These hovered menacingly over the horizon like a big, bad bully daring us to approach. The only way to reach our destination is to drive through the deluge, I thought.
The likeness to our life’s journey astounded me. At some point, we all face those ominous black clouds, and we have no option but to drive through the storm: the loss of a loved one, an unexpected medical diagnosis, financial troubles, infertility, and betrayal, to name a few.
None of us choose that route. We’d all rather take a detour than drive through the onslaught. But here’s the good news: God’s children don’t go through it alone. And we can be confident this is true because of who God is.
God manifested various aspects of His character to mankind through His Hebrew names. Each name is like a facet on a cut diamond, reflecting a specific characteristic that gives us a glimpse of His glory and a better understanding of what He’s like. One of these names is Yahweh Shammah (pronounced “SHAHM-mah”). It’s found in Ezekiel 48:35 and means, “The LORD is there” (NASB).
It’s easy to read the meaning and say a simple, “That’s nice.” But, my friend, these words deserve more than a quick nod. Their truth contains the power we need to face the storm with courage that, no matter what it looks like, God is with us.
For instance, “the LORD” points to the one true God. There is no other like Him. He is the creator of heaven and earth. He alone is holy, mighty in power, and perfect in wisdom. He alone is sovereign over every detail of our lives. This is the one who is with us. It doesn’t get better than that.
The wee word “is” declares God as present tense. Because of who He is, the LORD has no expiration date. He existed from before time began, and He’s still present and relevant for us today just as He’ll be present and relevant for the generations yet to come.
“There” suggests everywhere. Look around—to the north, south, east, west. Look in your closet and under your bed. Stand in a valley and gaze at the hilltops above you. Look out an airplane window at the expanse 36,000 feet beneath you. Where is God? He is there.
“The LORD is there” sounds so simple, but it’s profound. When our life’s journey leads us around a bend where ominous clouds hover, God is already there, so we never need fear going through the storm alone. Of this we can be confident because of who He is—Yahweh Shammah.
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 NIV
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I recently interviewed Grace on finding courage through the names of God on the Faith Over Fear podcast. That episode will drop on the 16th. Watch for it! I know Grace’s insights will encourage you and strengthen your faith!
Get to Know Grace Fox:
Grace Fox is the award-winning author of 14 books and a popular Bible teacher at international women’s events. She’s also a member of the “First 5” Bible study writing team (Proverbs 31 Ministries), and a co-host of the “Your Daily Bible Verse” podcast. Her latest book, Names of God: Living Unafraid comes with video access and makes an ideal group study, taking readers into a deeper understanding of seven of God’s Hebrew names.
Grace has been a career missionary for more than 30 years. She and her husband have worked in Nepal, at a year-round Christian camp on an island off Canada’s west coast, and are now co-directors of International Messengers Canada, a missionary sending agency with 300 staff in more than 25 countries. They currently live fulltime aboard a sailboat in Vancouver, British Columbia. Married in 1982, they celebrate three grown kids and 14 grandchildren.
Visit her on her website, on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and follow her on her Amazon page.
Grace’s Latest Release, The Names of God: Living Unafraid:
Get refreshed and equipped with seven powerful names of God in this highly engaging and interactive devotional study (with FREE guided video content from the author)! Packed with fresh insights, word studies, cultural context, thought-provoking reflections, and practical action steps, these studies will give you a solid understanding of God’s character so you can find peace and hope amidst life’s toughest moments.
Our world is a scary place. Focusing on the chaos can paralyze us with fear, but instead, we can anchor ourselves in the truth of who God is, and live unafraid. The Living Unafraid devotional study will help you build an unshakeable foundation of trust in God by empowering you with God’s character as revealed through his names in Scripture. Each of the seven chapters in this devotional study book explores:
- A powerful name of God (including pronunciation, scripture reference, translation, prayer, and a word study)
- FREE accompanying video insights, accessible online (optional)
- Key background information, in-depth overviews, and cultural context
- Fresh insights, practical action steps, and eye-opening reflections questions
- And so much more!
How to Use theNames of God: Living UnafraidBook & Video Study
Buy it HERE.
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