I think we can all agree that it is most difficult to be thankful when you’re in the middle of a storm. Whether it be a spiritual or emotional crisis, illness, financial difficulty, or loss, we are hardly thankful and rarely see the good until our trial is past.

In Acts chapter 27, the apostle Paul has been arrested and, along with many other prisoners, was being taken to Rome to be imprisoned there. The journey would be by ship and winter was quickly approaching. Hopeful that they would beat the bad weather, they set sail; the winds, however, were quickly upon them. That small wind soon turned into a storm, and Hurricane “Northeasterâ€� overtook them. The storm continued for many days, the crew and prisoners â€"276 in total- had not eaten for 14 days, and I can imagine discouragement weighed heavy on this ship. Hope of survival was little to none for all but Paul. You see, the Lord had sent an angel to Paul to comfort and encourage him. Paul, now wanting to share that bit of encouragement with the others, called out to them and urged them to take a moment and eat. He assured them that even though they might lose the ship, none of them would be lost. And with those words he paused and THANKED THE LORD in front of all of the men. This act of courage and thankfulness encouraged the men, and they were able to eat and gain strength to continue to face the stormy night.

Our life storms might have us discouraged and depressed; feeling hopeless and defeated. Our actions and emotions may be bringing others down with us. Why don’t we take a moment to THANK THE LORD? Others might be looking to us for encouragement! Though the midst of the storm doesn’t seem the likely place to find thankfulness, this is exactly where the Lord wants us to find it. He is there to comfort us so that we may bring comfort to others.

One of my favorite worship songs brings this thought to a close:

...As the thunder rolls, I barely hear your whisper through the rain: "I'm with you"
And as your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away -

And I'll praise you in this storm, And I will lift my hands
For you are who you are, No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried, You hold in your hand; You never left my side
And though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm…²

Suggested Prayer:

Dear Holy Father, this storm I am going through is so much bigger than me, but so much smaller than you. I know that you have control and anything that brings me down is a reason to call out to you with a thankful heart because the plan you have for me is perfect! Thank you, Lord, for being my comforter through the storm. Gratefully, In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

1.      Acts 27:35-36.

2.      Song by Casting Crowns, “Praise You in the Stormâ€�.