Peace in Life’s Storms
Peace in Life’s Storms
By McKell Jackson
I love storms. As I write this, rain is pattering on the roof and running down my window. It brings a peace that perhaps seems contradictory.
I fondly recall evenings on the front porch with my family, watching the rain. If we weren’t able to gather to watch the storm, my mother always opened the doors--the better to enjoy the sounds and smells as we went about our day. Perhaps this is why I find many storms peaceful. Perhaps they are meant to be enjoyed.
Some storms, however, bring fear: middle-of-the-night power outages that sent my siblings and I scurrying to our parents’ bedroom; accompanying my dad to dig out snowed-in neighbors; watching shingles blow off a neighbor’s roof and hit our windows; hiding in the bathroom with my children during tornado warnings.
I remember being grateful when the storm was over.
When life gets stormy, how do we find joy and peace? Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf said,
“The question is not whether we will experience seasons of adversity but how we will weather the storms.”
He further explained,
“Our great opportunity during the ever-changing seasons of life is to hold fast to the faithful word of God, for His counsel is designed not only to help us weather the storms of life but also to guide us past them. Our Heavenly Father has given His word through His prophets—precious knowledge designed to lead us through the challenges of difficult seasons toward the unspeakable joy and brilliant light of eternal life.”
Peace in the storm is possible. I have found the peace and strength that come through the word of God. In the midst of life’s storms, the scriptures have been the anchor that held me securely when everything felt frightening. The scriptures point me back to the Savior. They remind me that “it is upon the rock of our redeemer, who is Christ, the son of God, that ye must build your foundation. That when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds . . . it shall have no power over you . . . because of the rock upon which ye are built.” (Helaman 5:12)
I am grateful for those around me who have shown me how to have faith in the storms of life. During one particularly rough storm, my mother reminded me simply to “watch for God’s hand.” As I watched, I saw Him everywhere. He was in the details. The storm did not end or even ease up, but I knew I wasn’t alone, and I was shown purpose in the trial. Elder Uchtdorf said,
“It is an important part of our life’s experience to develop the strength, courage, and integrity to hold fast to truth and righteousness despite the buffeting we may experience.”
Storms will come, and with them, opportunities for growth.
Elder Ricardo Gimenez shared,
“As I have seen the storms that affect people’s lives, I have concluded that no matter what kind of storm is battering us—regardless of whether there is a solution to it or whether there is an end in sight—there is only one refuge, and it is the same for all types of storms. This single refuge provided by our Heavenly Father is our Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement.”
My Savior is my refuge. He has been there through every storm I’ve encountered. A well-loved hymn states,
“Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?
’Tis not so; all is right.
Why should we think to earn a great reward
If we now shun the fight?
Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.
Our God will never us forsake;
And soon we’ll have this tale to tell—
All is well! All is well!”
We’re not alone. Storms can bring the peace of feeling close to our Savior. They can help us to come to know His true character. And maybe, as we come to see the growth and purpose in them, they can even be enjoyed.
Saints for All Seasons, by Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Ensign, Sept. 2013
Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life, by Ricardo Gimenez, Ensign, April 2020
Come, Come, Ye Saints, LDS Hymns, #30
