One of my favorite outdoor activities is simply going for a long walk. There’s just something about fresh air, feeling the sun on my back, and perhaps exploring a new trail that has a way of restoring my soul. But have you ever been caught outside in stormy weather? The sky grows dark and threatening clouds loom overhead. The rugged terrain becomes slippery and even the most familiar path seems changed. The way forward seems unclear.

Life can be like that at times too…stormy weather that threatens our peace with doubts and fear. We feel isolated, unsure and alone, wondering if anyone notices or even cares.

 

Being one of 14 children, you wouldn’t think that one could feel so isolated—but given the family dynamics in my home, I did feel alone much of the time. I was the third youngest and with so many siblings in the house, one had to be a squeaky wheel just to be heard.

In my rambunctious family, craving attention and actually getting it took certain skills that I didn’t naturally possess. Being soft-spoken, I was frequently talked over. Not one to speak up for myself often meant being overlooked.  Passive, I was easily dismissed. For as far back as I can remember, I was the square-peg kid surrounded by round-hole siblings and I just didn’t make the cut!

As a child, I didn’t really understand the presence of God.  So, all of my tears and deep longing to connect were focused on my siblings. I wanted to be a round peg! But when I tried to do the mischievous things they loved, God would speak to my heart and the conviction was strong. I knew enough to know it was better to please Him instead of trying to fit into the chaos and confusion.

Being called “goody two shoes” laughed at and left out by my own siblings…well for a kid, it felt like being alone in a scary storm with no one to hold my hand and lead me to shelter.

 

God is faithful

One of my favorite verses says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:8 italics added).

Growing up (and still to this day) our heavenly Father often reminded me of those words to give me comfort and hope. As I got a little older, the Lord continually added more promises from His Word to my heart. He has filled me with joy, secure in knowing I belong to Him and He will never leave me out, cold and alone, in any storm.

 

Trust Me, I’m here

Walking into this new year, I pray that you sense a fresh air of anticipation and the warmth of knowing that God’s Son—Jesus himself! —has your back. But for many of us, 2025 came in like stormy weather and the path ahead feels dark and unclear.

Friend! Jesus has your back too.

He walks into this storm with you. Like the young shepherd boy, David overlooked by family but seen by God (1 Samuel 16, Psalm 27:10). Like Joseph, sent away because of jealousy (Genesis 37, 50:20). Or Elijah, lonely and desperate to the point of wishing his life was over (1 Kings 19).

 

Never forget that Jesus Himself suffered unimaginable grief out of love for you. He knows and understands all our sorrows and weakness. “So, let’s come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).

Whatever you are facing, lean into Jesus. Don’t let the fear and fiery arrows that cross your path make you give up. You are solid while your eyes are focused on Jesus in the storm.