Salvation in the Storm

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,and the flame shall not consume you.”  Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

Let me start with a confession: I know what it’s like to feel like God is distant—especially when life seems like it’s falling apart. Maybe you do too. Maybe you’re reading this in the middle of your own storm, wondering if God even sees you. If that’s you, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in good company.

We live in a world that’s been through some serious storms lately. The COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, leaving us isolated, anxious, and grieving losses we never saw coming.

Natural disasters—hurricanes, wildfires, floods—seem to make the headlines every other week. Political and social unrest have left many of us feeling divided and uncertain about the future. Add during economic challenges and the quiet battles so many fight with mental health, it’s no wonder we sometimes feel like we’re barely keeping our heads above water.

And yet, it’s in these storms—these moments when God feels the most distant—that I’ve learned He’s actually the closest. It’s not just wishful thinking. It’s a promise woven throughout Scripture and echoed in the lives of believers for generations and still today.

God Is Near to the Brokenhearted

Consider the words of David in Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”. That’s not just poetic language; it’s a lifeline. When your heart is breaking, when you’re crushed by disappointment or loss, God isn’t standing on the sidelines. He’s right there with you. 

Sometimes, His presence is quiet—a sense of peace that doesn’t make sense given your circumstances. Other times, it’s the unexpected kindness of a friend, a song on the radio, or a sunrise that reminds you you’re not alone.

I remember during the height of the pandemic, when everything felt uncertain, I would sit by my window in the early morning. The world outside was silent, but somehow, in that stillness, I sensed God’s nearness more than ever. It didn’t change my circumstances, but it changed me. It gave me hope to keep going.

God Provides Strength in Our Weakness

Maybe you’re thinking, “That’s great for you, but I don’t feel God at all.” I get it. Sometimes, faith feels like shouting into the void. But listen to this promise from Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.

God doesn’t promise to take away every storm, but He does promise to hold us up in the middle of it.

The apostle Paul knew a thing or two about storms—literal and figurative. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, he wrote, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness”. I

It’s in our weakest moments that God’s strength shines brightest. I’ve seen it in my own life and in the lives of others—people who’ve lost jobs, faced illness, or walked through grief, yet somehow found the strength to keep moving forward. That strength isn’t from within; it’s a gift from God.

God Works All Things for Good

One of the hardest things to believe in the middle of a storm is that anything good can come from it. But Romans 8:28 gives us this assurance: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. 

Notice Paul doesn’t say all things are good. Pandemics, disasters, heartbreak—these are not good. But God is a master at bringing beauty from ashes, hope from despair.

I’ve seen families grow closer during lockdowns, neighbors reaching out to help one another during disasters, and people discovering resilience and faith they never knew they had. Sometimes, the good is obvious. Other times, it takes years to see. But God is always at work, even when we can’t see it.

Jesus Offers Peace in the Midst of Trouble

Jesus himself said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He never promised us a storm-free life. In fact, He promised the opposite. But He also promised His peace—a peace that doesn’t depend on our circumstances.

That’s the heart of salvation in the storm. It’s not about escaping trouble but finding God right in the middle of it. It’s about discovering that even when we feel abandoned, we are held.

Even when we feel weak, we can find strength. Even when we can’t see the good, God is working behind the scenes.

A Word for Skeptics and Seekers

Maybe you’re reading this and you’re not sure what you believe. Maybe you’ve been burned by religion or you’re just tired of empty promises. I get it. But think about this: What if the storms in your life are not evidence of God’s absence, but an invitation to discover His presence in a new way?

Try this: the next time you’re overwhelmed, whisper a simple prayer—even if you’re not sure anyone is listening. Ask God to show up. Look for small signs of hope, moments of kindness, or unexpected peace. You might be surprised by what you find.

Here’s a small prayer for anyone wanting reassurance about finding God even when He feels distant:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for being close to us in the storms. When we feel alone, remind us of Your presence. When we are weak, be our strength. When we can’t see the good, help us trust that You are working. Give us peace that passes understanding and hope that endures. In Christ’s name, Amen.

No matter how fierce the storm, salvation is found not in the absence of trouble, but in the presence of God who walks with us through it all.

May God continuously guide your path.