Yoder: Especially When: Trusting God Through Life’s Storms
By Kathy Yoder
When I’m lost, unable to discern right from left or up from down, and a fog cloaks my path, hiding life’s familiar markers, I feel paralyzed—afraid to move yet unable to stay still. When I realize I’ve placed my trust in my own plans, in the road stripes I thought would lead me to safety, only to find them gone, I turn to You, O Lord. Especially when this happens, I place my faith in You, my Savior. Guide me through the haze, for Your light pierces even the thickest fog. Lead me to the on-ramp of Your truth, where clarity and safety await.
When my dreams crumble like a house ravaged by a storm—shutters falling, windows shattering, foundation washed away—I stand amidst the ruins, unnoticed by those around me. What once seemed vibrant and strong lies in a broken heap at my feet. Especially when this happens, I surrender the pieces to You, my Rock and Redeemer. Tear down my self-built foundations, O Lord, and create in me a clean heart. Build my life anew on Your unshakable love, as You promise in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Let me rely not on myself but on You, my eternal foundation.
When those I love and lean on leave this earth too soon, their absence leaves words unspoken and my heart aching. I feel alone, without a kindred spirit to share my joys or sorrows. Especially when this happens, I turn to You, O Lord. You listen when no one else can, comforting me with Your boundless grace. You heal my wounds and guide me through grief’s lessons, as You assure in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” I will praise You forever for Your unending kindness.
When the world shifts beneath my feet, with truth twisting like the wind and many turning from You, O Lord, I see right called wrong and chaos mistaken for progress. The world feels topsy-turvy, yet many claim it’s better than before. Especially when this happens, I anchor my soul in You, my unchanging Savior. Your truth is eternal, Your ways steadfast. As Isaiah 40:8 declares, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” I trust in You, my never-doubtful, never-late, always-on-time Redeemer, to light my path through a world adrift.
When age slows my steps and my body creaks, when each task feels like a mountain and I sense my days are few, I reflect on Your boundless might. Especially when this happens, I call Your name, Jesus—the name above all names, which calms souls and moves mountains. Your name gives life, even to those dead in sin, as You promise in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.” Speaking Your name changes lives—my life—because You dwell with me in this imperfect world, amidst my imperfect choices. You are my strength, preparing me for eternity.
You walk ahead, leading me forward. You walk behind, guarding me from past regrets, reminding me of Your work on the cross, where I am forgiven. You walk beside me, holding my hand, as You promise in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” And when You call my name—especially when You call my name—I will follow You, knowing my true home is with You, now and forever.
In every “especially when” moment, I trust You, O Lord, my rock and my salvation. As the Psalmist sings, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4). May we cling to You in life’s storms, finding peace in Your eternal presence.
Kathy Yoder is a devotional writer and Christian author. She may be reached at Kathyyoder4@gmail.com and Kathyyoder.com.
