Calming the Storms Within

Calming the Storms Within

“So, they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress.

The storm sank to a murmur, and the waves of the sea were stilled.

They were glad then that all was calm, as He guided them to the harbor they desired.

Let them thank the Lord for His enduring love.” (Psalm 107:28-31)

Biblical Note: This passage describes the power of God even as passages in the New Testament refer to Jesus’ ability to deliver people out of storms, literal and figurative (see Matthew 8:23-17, Mark 4:36-41, John 6:16-21). Since the Hebrews were people of the land, this nautical theme of this Psalm is a novelty.

For your Meditation: This meditation may be especially valuable in a period of stormy times. Harbor can represent a “safe place” to which you can return.

Meditation:  (To be read very slowly with eyes closed.) Take several, slow deep breaths and get in touch with the depths within…Now visualize yourself in a boat…Notice the size and type of boat…Discover who is with you…Become aware how you feel being there…Now you notice the water is very troubled, a storm is surrounding you…Stay in touch with your feelings in this storm…When you are ready, become aware of the calming presence in your midst…You might call out to that presence to calm the storm, or you may simply become aware that the presence is calming the storm…Let yourself experience that movement from storm to calm and reflect on how you feel and what is occurring…Now move into the harbor and stay alert to your feelings and thoughts as your boat nudges into its harbor…Before you disembark, look around on the boat for a symbol or image which represents this deep calm for you, and take that symbol with you as you get off the boat…Become aware of your thankfulness for the loving presence enabling the calm…When you feel ready, open your eyes.

Debriefing:  Write or draw whatever image emerged that might represent calm for you. And about how the storm in your life is affected by this deep sense of calm. Notice any changes in attitude toward the storm in your life. If you were unable to allow the calmness to occur for you, simply acknowledge that this is where you are right now. Feel free to do this meditation again and again. And feel free to write out the stormy feelings too.

 

(Source: Opening to God: Guided Imagery Meditation on Scripture. By Carolyn Stahl.)

If you would like further support, please reach out to me at laura.lies@streamsgrace.com