‘Til the Storm Passes By

“… Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17

Today is Sunday. Normally, I’d be getting ready for church, but covid-19 still has me at home. There are a lot of things about being isolated that don’t really bother me personally. I can keep busy writing, which is, for the most part, an “isolated” activity. I like to read, so that is another activity that doesn’t require socialization. But there is one thing that I struggle with during these times.

I miss church! I miss worshipping with my church family! While I can listen to my pastor via livestream, which is a way to watch a church service over the Internet, it cannot replace the physical fellowship with other believers. One thing that is helping me through all this is music. I love church music. It blesses my heart to no end, so I love it when Bree, my granddaughter, and I play hymns together. She plays her violin; I play the piano, and it’s such a joy for me! This morning I was really touched by the song, “Til the Storm Passes By” by Mosie Lister. (I posted a link to the video on my Facebook page.)

Currently, many of us are in the midst of a great storm that is testing not only our physical, emotional, and mental lives, but our Christian life as well. We are isolated from our church families. Being with my church family helps me face the storms in my life, but right now, I am unable to be with them, and that is very difficult for me. I miss those hugs from Sandra and Joanie and others. Those hugs are like an exchange of love between us! I miss those cheery “Good mornings!” from Ann and Lois as we work on getting our Sunday school rooms ready for the children.

I miss hearing others pray. I miss hearing the quiet “amens” as Pastor shares his messages. I miss the smiles on the faces of my friends when we see one another in the sanctuary. I miss the sparkle in the eyes of the children when they see me and run over to share something that happened to them during the week. I miss hearing what God has done in the lives of my church family. And I especially miss hearing all the voices joined together in song! Congregational singing, choir songs, special music… I miss it all! My list could go on and on…

Oh, how I miss church!

But like every other storm in my life, God has always seen me through. Sometimes the storms were small, like when I couldn’t find a necklace that meant so much to me (I eventually found it a few months later!); sometimes the storms were big, like when I was diagnosed with breast cancer (I am a 19-year survivor!). Through each and every one, God was with me. He guided me, comforted me, supported me, carried me, and loved me. And guess what? I got through them all… even the ones where I could see no earthly way for the storm to subside. Even when my faith was wavering. Even when I felt it was all so hopeless. Even when I felt utterly defeated, God was faithful

He always was; He always is; He always will be. So hang on, He’s got you. The storm’s almost over.

In the dark of the midnight, have I oft hid my face;
While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place;
‘Mid the crash of the thunder, precious Lord, hear my cry;
“Keep me safe ’til the storm passes by.”

(from “Til the Storm Passes By” by Mosie Lister)

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39

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Share a little “Sonshine” today! Send someone a virtual hug!