I watch those around me as they go about their lives with no restrictions. I can't deny that I'm envious of them. It hasn't been that long ago that I, too, was part of that world where freedom of movement was a given. Now every time my feet hit the ground it hurts. It is the kind of pain that goes from the bottom of my feet straight to my head not missing a nerve on its travels. A simple trip to the mailbox has become an adventure in survival.

It's funny how much more I'm aware of the existence of God. I have known He is there for 20 years or so, but now there isn't a moment that my mind doesn't think of Him. Whether it's me asking Him, to heal me, like His Word said He will do, or through tears pleading with Him for some kind of relief, just something so my eyes can close and let me drift off to sleep. I ask him to "Please give me comfort in this storm."

Comfort ---- That word always reminded me of a soft bed with warm blankets and a fireplace on a cold winter's night. It's changed now though. It's more of a non-tangible thing, kind words, encouragement from a friend, God's words and His promises of protection and healing.

I have discovered that the words I have found in the Bible can reach way inside me and warm me from the inside out. I hear words from my Lord cutting through the storm. Words like, "TRUST ME" -- "YOU ARE NEVER ALONE" -- "YOU ARE MY CHILD". The loudness of the storm has made my ears sensitive to the quiet non-wavering voice of the Holy Spirit. I can pick it out from the thunder.

The devil lives in the storms, trying to take my attention away from God. But Satan and his raging noise CAN NOT drown out the voice of God. It's just that, noise, and God's love can filter it out -- be it physical pain or emotional agony from a turbulent past. Pain is like noise -- its loud, unorganized and unpredictable.

God is just the opposite of noise. He speaks softly with authority; never confusing truth with lies, never saying anything contrary to that truth (His Word, the Bible). I can ask questions, wonder why, be caught up in the pain. But His word never changes. His voice still speaks softly.

I don't know what the future holds for me or what ghosts from the past are going to try to wage war with my soul. But I do know one thing. No matter how loud the storm gets or how bad the pain becomes, God's voice will still speak softly to me, assuring me that He will not leave me with out the comfort of His Spirit.

By Brenda
© 2006