Finding Peace in the Storm: When Fear Feels Like Hurricane Season

You know that feeling when the weather alert interrupts your favorite show, warning of another storm heading our way? In Florida, we're no strangers to hurricane prep – the endless lines at grocery stores, the hunt for batteries, the strategic tetris of fitting our patio furniture through the garage door. But sometimes, the scariest part isn't the storm itself – it's the aftermath. The uncertainty. The cleanup. The "what now?"

Recently, as Hurricanes Helene and Milton swept through our community, many of us found ourselves face-to-face with a truth we don't like to think about: we're not as in control as we'd like to believe. Watching the waters rise, seeing familiar streets turn into rivers, and dealing with the aftermath of destruction can shake even the strongest faith.

Maybe you're reading this while still cleaning up debris from your yard. Maybe you're trying to figure out how to repair that roof damage on a tight budget. Or maybe you're just feeling overwhelmed by the general uncertainty of life right now – from weather patterns we can't predict to political headlines we can't escape.

Here's the thing: Jesus never promised us a life free from storms. In fact, some of His most powerful moments with His disciples happened right in the middle of one. Remember that story in Matthew 8? The disciples – experienced fishermen who knew these waters like the back of their hands – found themselves in a storm so fierce they thought they were going to die. And where was Jesus? Sleeping peacefully in the boat.

When they woke Him in panic, Jesus didn't immediately calm the storm. First, He asked them, "Why are you afraid?" It might seem like an odd question when water is literally flooding your boat. But Jesus knew something the disciples were struggling to remember: the presence of a storm doesn't mean the absence of God.

The same is true for us today. Whether we're facing literal hurricanes or metaphorical ones, fear is a natural response. But fear doesn't have to have the final word. As we've seen in our community these past weeks, storms have a way of revealing not just our vulnerabilities, but also our strength. They show us who we really are – and more importantly, who God really is.

In times like these, it's okay to admit we're scared. It's okay to acknowledge that cleanup is overwhelming. It's okay to feel uncertain about the future. But here's the good news: we serve a God who is bigger than our fears, steadier than any storm, and more reliable than any political system.

This isn't about pretending everything is fine when it isn't. It's about finding peace even when everything isn't fine. It's about remembering that while earthly powers may shift like sand, our hope is built on something – Someone – far more solid.

So what do we do with our fears? We acknowledge them. We bring them to God. And then, just like those disciples in the storm-tossed boat, we learn to look at who's in the boat with us rather than just at the waves around us.

Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed right now. Maybe the cleanup – whether physical, emotional, or spiritual – feels like too much. Remember: you're not alone in this. Just as our community has come together to help each other through these storms, your church family is here for you too.

Because here's what we know for sure: storms will come and go, seasons will change, headlines will shift, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And in Him, we don't have to be afraid – even when there's something to be afraid of.

Need someone to talk to? Looking for practical help with storm cleanup? Want to find out how you can help others in our community? We're here for you. Because at Centerpoint, we believe that no one should have to weather life's storms alone.

Visit our Hurricane Resource page to learn more about how Centerpoint is caring for individuals and families impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. We also provide links to a variety of state, federal and Hillsborough County resources that may be useful for hurricane survivors.

Looking for a community of support? Join us on Sunday at 9am or 11am, or livestream a message at 11am.

Need a dose of hope? Watch our series, Hope in the Dark, on YouTube or listen here.