A “perfect storm” is a storm where all the atmospheric conditions are ideal for producing violent weather. Fronts collide; air pressure, humidity, and so forth all seem to be cooperating to bring disaster. The sea is a dangerous place to be at such a time with hurricane force winds and gigantic waves.

Souls caught up in such a storm will struggle to survive, up to a point. Under what circumstances would someone stop struggling? Usually, it would be when the last hope died and there is an awareness that nothing else can be done - perhaps when the boat is flipped and sinks into the depths like a bullet. Inside the cabin that has filled with water men realize that even escaping the cabin at such a depth would make it impossible to reach the surface. Even if the surface was reached, there are still the maelstrom.

At that point, why struggle? Why fight it? There is nothing left. Using this situation as a metaphor, I do not ever want to be so overwhelmed mentally, emotionally, or spiritually by life’s storms that I am so hopeless and prospects are so non-existent that I simply must resign to my fate. Men and women of faith can reach the potential of being protected absolutely and completely, from being so overwhelmed that all is beyond hope. We can find such assurance in a strong, developed trust and faith even in times plagued with winds and waves of trouble. This is so whatever form our adversary takes; whether human or circumstance. The first verse of the 27th Psalm captures this confidence very well as it is spoken by one who had endured several “perfect storms.”

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread? (Psalm 27:1)

“The Lord is my light and salvation.” If anyone ever had opportunity to trust in God when nothing else would do, it was David. Some of his problems were self-inflicted (truth be told, that is probably true with all of us), but others were the result of His righteousness. This Psalm is about a trust that brings the faithful through troubled times and restored joy, peace, and confidence. It is as if one is swallowed by the ocean depths in darkness with no hope, and then, there is light and hope and peace and deliverance. This light comes to us through our faith in Jesus Christ, at least it does if our faith is what it ought to be and can be (John 8:12).

“The Lord is my defender.” That is true for every wind and every wave of whatever storm I may face in my life to its very end, and beyond when, at long last, I am out of the storms and at home with God (Romans 8:35-39). Eternity need not be a dark abyss into which we sink forever. There is salvation in the Lord who is the defense of our lives when no other defense will do. Though afflicted, no power can destroy me if I place my trust in God to save me. There is every reason to start heading for the surface, because in Christ there is salvation! Even death is no longer an overwhelming flood.

So, there is a perfect answer to the storms of life; even the “perfect storm.” Today’s forecast is: The Son will shine forever.