Mike Marino, PhD 

Navigating through the S.T.O.R.M.

S – Surrender … stop fighting what is.  Surrender to the reality that storms are inevitable.  They are a certainty, not a possibility.  John 16:33 - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”  Trouble is a certainty, peace is only a possibility.  Accept that trouble is certain and open the door to the possibility of peace, through trust…

T – Trust … You can’t see the future, God can.  If you knew things were going to turn out OK, would you be less troubled?  If you knew that someone who loves you was in control, would you be less afraid?  Prov. 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Trust is hard, especially when trust has been violated.  Who do you trust?  Politicians?  Social and broadcast media?  Your family and friends?  Your own intellect and feelings?  God?  Gaining clarity on who and what is trustworthy will help calm the storm.  Don’t allow yourself to be battered about by people whose opinions have not proven to be trustworthy.  Exercise your ability to choose who and what you trust. 

O – Observe … This is a great time to keep your eyes wide open, and your mouth mostly shut.  Engaging in fruitless argument will make you more frustrated and hopeless.  Proverbs 26:4 says, “Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.”  Watch what’s happening in the world, in your family and friends, and in yourself.  Observe keenly, respond gently.  When counseling his disciples Jesus said, “Stay alert.  This is hazardous work I’m assigning you.  You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves.  Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove.”  Matt. 10:16

R – Rest … In a boxing match you get to sit down for a minute, every three minutes.  Front line soldiers get leave for rest and relaxation.  Jesus was intentional about taking time to rest, he counseled others to do so as well.  After a long day of feeding the hungry he told them, “‘Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.’  For there was constant coming and going.  They didn’t even have time to eat.” –Mark 6:31  If you aren’t intentional about rest, you’ll be soon overwhelmed, unable to help yourself or others.

M – Minister … Become an agent of hope and healing.  It’s easy, in the middle of a storm, to become self-focused.  While self-care is an essential and healthy thing, it’s never a good idea to navigate storms alone.  Seeking opportunities to help others will keep you balanced and remind you that you are not alone in the storm.  Your relationships will grow deeper, and you’ll discover some lasting purpose in the temporary pain.  After the storm passes, and it will, you’ll be wiser, more patient, more confident, less afraid (having survived), more mature and better equipped for the next storm.