Storms are not optional. Both saint and sinner suffer. We live in a fallen world with a spiritual adversary. As Christians, we  contend daily with our old nature. We suffer at times for doing wrong and at times for doing right. We are vulnerable to sickness, disease, and death; plus, people we love are also vulnerable. Weather, work, finances, government, all can be a hassle. That is enough. I need not convince you that there are storms in life. This article addresses how to navigate through the storms in a godly way.

David often faced seemingly insurmountable struggles and masterfully recorded his process for success in the book of Psalms. One of the most devastating storms he faced was when his son Absalom to revenge his sister, Tamar, premeditated and carried out the murder of his brother Amnon. Absalom fled to another country and remained in hiding for three years. David loved him and “mourned for his son every day.”

2 Samuel 13:39. The heart of King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.

Absalom, with the help of his cousin Joab, schemed his way back into Jerusalem and his forgiving father’s good graces. He never suffered the righteous consequences for his wrongdoing. Rather than having gratitude for the mercy he received, he deliberately and systematically undermined his father with the intent of dethroning him. He was an evil man. Over time, “Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel.” He orchestrated a coup d’état. David had to leave the city he loved and founded for the worship of Yahweh. To be forced out of Jerusalem by the son he loved and forgave must have caused enormous pain.

2 Samuel 15:30. And David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went, and his head was covered, and he walked barefoot. Then all the people who were with him each covered his head and went up weeping as they went.

Psalm 3 was written by David about this time in his life.

Psalm 3:1-8. A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. O Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are rising up against me. Many are saying of my soul, “There is no deliverance for him in God.” Selah. But You, O Yahweh, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. I was crying to Yahweh with my voice, and He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for Yahweh sustains me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Yahweh; save me, O my God! For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to Yahweh; Your blessing be upon Your people! Selah.

This event was not just a storm; it was more like a hurricane. With a broken heart, forced to escape “the city of God”, pressed into a war with his own son with the threat of death looming, David turned his attention to God for deliverance. Notice that his focus is on Yahweh (6 occurrences in this psalm) and not on his son and the problem at hand. He refused to fear knowing his God would save him.

One of the many challenges we face with the storms of life is to fear by projecting on the worse possible outcome. The storm itself is a big enough problem without negative projection. Our mind belongs on Yahweh. The word “selah” occurs three times in this short psalm. The literal meaning from the Hebrew is “to lift up, exalt”. However, another more accepted meaning is “to pause, consider, or to reflect”. In the many psalms that David wrote, it is very apparent that he paused and reflected on God when he was tempted to fear or despair.

The psalms reveal the confidence and faith we can have no matter the circumstance. David considered these truths and inspired others to write and consider the same. We can follow along.

Psalm 46:1-3, 7, 10-11. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.
7. Yahweh of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.
10-11. “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Yahweh of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

No matter how grim the storm may be, like David, we need not fear, for God is our refuge, our strength, and a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 27:1-3. Yahweh is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.

Whom shall we fear? Yahweh is the defense of our life; whom shall we dread?

Psalm 118:4-6. Oh let those who fear Yahweh say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.” From my distress I called upon Yahweh; Yahweh answered me and set me in a large place. Yahweh is for me; I will not fear; what can man do to me?

How does one get such faith? Reflect on the many miracles set forth in the Scriptures and in your own life. Have deliberate and consistent focus on God and seek to be in His presence.

Psalm 27:4-5. One thing I have asked from Yahweh, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Yahweh and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock.

“House”, “temple”, “tabernacle”, and “tent” are used metaphorically to represent fellowship with God, living in His presence. David held a deep desire to worship and fellowship with God and to experience the beauty of His presence. He longed to spend all his time in worship and adoration of Yahweh. In the day of troubles, we too can hide in the secret place of His tent.

Psalm 31:19-20. How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, before the sons of men! You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the  conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.
Psalm 32:7. You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

When the storms come, do not be afraid; rather, pray to your Father and receive His help. Focus on Him and His promises, and seek the secret place of His presence.