A to Z Blogging Challenge "Making Preparations for Severe Weather and Spiritual Storms"

“Making Preparations for Severe Weather and Spiritual Storms”

“He stilled the storm to a whisper…they were glad when it grew calm…” Psalm 107:29-30

“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9

Storms make me very nervous. The TOR:CON rating (which indicates the probability of severe weather—including hail, strong wind, and tornados in the area) was just raised to a 9 out of 10 for our area of Nebraska. (See more about the TOR:CON rating at The Weather Channel )

As soon as I’m done with these blog posts I’m going to go clear a way to our “safe room” in the basement and put together some things to have down there should we have to take shelter. Here are some of the things that are on my “storm shelter” list every year.

• Shoes, sweatshirts, for each family member (in case we have to go downstairs in the middle of the night and don’t have time to get dressed, or if there’s damage during the storm).
• Bottles of water and snacks (in case you’re hungry or kids need distraction).
• Magazines, cards, etc.—again, distractions for nervous kids (or adults!).
• Blankets for warmth and protection.
• Cash, social security cards and other valuable paperwork; lockbox if you have one that’s small enough to carry downstairs.
• If anyone is taking medication, consider putting several days’ worth in your purse in case your home is damaged and you can’t get in for a few days.
• Car keys.
• List of phone numbers (in case cell phone towers are knocked out and you have to dial on landline).
• Flashlights w/extra batteries; we have several in the basement and several near the basement door.
• Weather radio or radio w/batteries (our weather radio will fit into my purse and we have a regular battery-operated radio in the basement).
• Remember that pets can get scared during storms and might hide rather than come with you to a safe place. Be prepared!
• We keep Jenny’s leash on the knob of door to the basement so we know where it is; she sometimes hides rather than comes with us when she’s scared.
• A small container of food and a few treats, to keep her distracted too.
• Kennel; sometimes pets feel safer when they’re confined.

 As well as preparing for “weather” storms, we need to prepare for spiritual storms. Spiritual storms are usually not as predictable as severe weather storms; they can pop up unexpectedly in the illness or injury or death of a loved one, betrayal by a friend or family member, the diagnosis of a severe disease, financial problems, and so on.

We can prepare for spiritual storms, just as we prepare for severe weather storms. 

To prepare for spiritual storms:

• Read and study your Bible every day. See what God says about dealing with difficult situations in your life, and read His encouragement and promises.
• Faithfully attend church. Again, you’ll learn about God’s encouragement and promises and make friends who can help you through those spiritual storms.
• Record God’s promises and encouragement. Write Bible verses that are meaningful to you on note cards so you can read them frequently and be reminded that you are not alone, that God loves and cares for you.
• Pray. Talk with God about your life—things you are thankful for, things you are sorry for, things you want, things you are unsure about. He will listen to you any time, every time you need Him. When you talk to him frequently you’ll be able to discern His “still, small voice” during the tough times.

 Storms themselves are not predictable, but I can predict that you will experience severe weather storms as well as spiritual storms during your life. Spend a little time and you’ll be as prepared as you can be for any type of storm.

“He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge.” Psalm 144:2

I’m also blogging at www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com.

Check out the post today, “Monitors.”