The Stormy Seasons

"They are like trees planted along the riverbank,

bearing fruit each season without fail."

Psalm 1:3 NLT

In order to bear fruit each season without fail, we need to be planted by the riverbank. Nothing grows without water. When our roots go down deep into the Living Water (John 4:10 NLT), we can bear fruit each season—from warm, sunny summer spells to cold, desolate winter periods. Admittedly, the stormy squalls of life tend to blot out moments of peace and tranquility. But take an honest peek at the Scriptures and you’ll find that God’s people endured more storms than still waters.

Stormy Seasons

Let’s look at a few storms mentioned in the Bible. Jonah was caught in a storm of his own making (Jon. 1:12 NLT). He found himself in the belly of a fish with seaweed wrapped around his head (Jon. 2:5 NLT). Jonah was in pretty deep when he finally remembered to call upon the Lord. Do you ever find yourself in over your head before remembering to turn to Jesus? I do.

From inside the whale, Jonah finally surrendered to God in prayer—and the Lord answered. He commanded the fish and it vomited Jonah onto dry land (Jo. 2:10 NIV). After his attitude adjustment, Jonah was ready to complete his God-given mission. The New Testament describes many storms. In Luke 8:22-25 Jesus directs his disciples into a boat. They set sail, he takes a nap, and a fierce storm breaks out. The disciples wake Jesus up and he calms the storm. Crisis adverted.

What if they hadn’t awoken him? What if the disciples ran around doing whatever it is they did in a dilemma, but forgot Jesus was in the boat with them? I’m guilty of that. I try everything in my own strength to solve a situation and get so distracted with my struggle that I forget Jesus is right there with me. No wonder sometimes it feels like I’m sinking!

Then we find the disciples in another storm, but this time Jesus wasn’t in the boat with them (John 6:16-21). However, He did come walking on the water in their direction. Terrified, yet eager for relief, the men let Jesus into their boat—and they immediately arrived at their destination.

Don’t miss the miracle in the immediate arrival. Boats don’t just instantly reach shore and storms don’t suddenly cease without divine intervention. When we invite Jesus into our boat, we experience things only He can do. In the process our faith is strengthened, seeds are germinated, and fruit bursts forth in our lives.

Living Water Stills the Storms

Jonah and the disciples experienced storms. They called on the Lord and he was right there in their midst. He answered and rescued them. Saying yes to adoption or foster care can unleash storms in our lives too. But the Lord uses rough waters to draw us closer to him. Even in stormy seasons we can experience peace.

The Lord beckons us to the riverbank. Still waters (Psalm 23:2) are not occasional occurrences but daily opportunities to meet with Jesus. When we extend our roots down deep into the Living Water, we will soak up nourishment that will produce fruit in every season without fail.