God is There: Living Unafraid in Life’s Storms
God’s children don’t go through life’s storms alone. We can be confident this is true because of who God is: “Yahweh Shammah” — “the LORD is there.”
The bus on which I was a passenger cruised east through the rugged Rocky Mountains before turning north. We drove through miles of rolling sage-covered hills and acres of evergreens charred by recent forest fires, past lakes and log cabins, and alongside rivers and ranches where cattle grazed.
I’d traveled this road more than fifteen times and always marveled at the scenery’s beauty, but this time I saw something different: ominous black clouds. I’ve seen rain clouds many times in my life, but they never looked like this. These hovered menacingly over the horizon like a big, bad bully daring us to approach. The only way to reach our destination is to drive through the deluge, I thought.
Facing life’s storms with courage
The likeness to our life’s journey astounded me. At some point, we all face those ominous black clouds, and we have no option but to drive through the storm: the loss of loved one, an unexpected medical diagnosis, financial troubles, infertility, and betrayal, to name a few.
None of us choose that route. We’d all rather take a detour to bypass the onslaught. But here’s the good news: God’s children don’t go through life’s storms alone. We can be confident this is true because of who God is.
Psalm 139 is one of my favorite scripture passages because it so vividly reminds us of God’s presence and involvement in our lives. The author, David, described it like this:
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7-10 NIV)
No matter where we go, God is there. Of this we can be sure because He cannot lie.
God’s name assures us of His presence
God manifested various aspects of His character to mankind through His Hebrew names. Each name is like a facet on a cut diamond, reflecting a specific characteristic that gives us a glimpse of His glory and a better understanding of what He’s like. One of those names is Yahweh Shammah (pronounced “SHAHM-mah”). It’s found in Ezekiel 48:35 and means, “The LORD is there.”
It’s easy to read the meaning and say a simple, “That’s nice.” But, my friend, these words deserve more than a quick nod. Their truth contains the power we need to face the storm with courage that, no matter what it looks like, God is with us.
For instance, “the LORD” points to the one true God. There is no other like Him. He is the creator of heaven and earth. He alone is holy, mighty in power, and perfect in wisdom. He alone is sovereign over every detail of our lives. This is the one who is with us. It doesn’t get better than that.
The wee word “is” declares God as present tense. Because of who He is, the LORD has no expiration date. He existed from before time began, and He’s still present and relevant for us today just as He’ll be present and relevant for the generations yet to come.
“There” suggests everywhere. Look around—to the north, south, east, west. Look in your closet and under your bed. Stand in a valley and gaze at the hilltops above you. Look out an airplane window at the expanse 36,000 feet beneath you. Where is God? He is there.
“The LORD is there” sounds so simple, but it’s profound. When our journey leads us around a bend where ominous clouds hover, God is already there, so we never need fear going through life’s storms alone. Of this we can be confident because of who He is—Yahweh Shammah.
Check out this blog post for more encouragement about facing life’s storms unafraid: https://www.gracefox.com/these-truths-about-god-help-us-live-unafraid/
May I pray for you?
“Yahweh Shammah, thank You for gracing us with Your presence everywhere we go, especially when our road leads through a storm. We are grateful that You never leave us alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Know you are loved,
Grace
Editors’ Choice Award 2025
My book, Names of God – Living Unafraid, shows how the meaning behind seven of God’s names can help us slay the fear giant.
Editors’ Choice Award 2025
My book, Names of God – Living Unafraid, shows how the meaning behind seven of God’s names can help us slay the fear giant.
Grace, thank you for this very thought-provoking and true devotion! It is just what I needed to be reminded of today. I’ve been praying for an estrangement with our son for over 8 years, and just recently was reminded that it is so very much out of my control. This is the most painful thing I’ve ever walked through, and it has brought me so much closer to Jesus than I ever knew before for which I am deeply grateful. But the hurt of life not being what I thought it would be never goes away. I need to stay focused on God’s presence in every moment of my life rather than what I wish was different. I will be praying to remember Yahweh Shammah every time the enemy tries to divert my thoughts!
I’d like to encourage you to never give up praying for reconciliation with your estranged family member. I hadn’t seen my son since 2018. Last week, he sat across from me at the dinner table and shared a meal with us. On Sunday, he attended church with my husband and I…only God could have orchestrated something like that.
Catherine, thank you for the encouragement. I know anything is possible with God, and all of my hope is in that truth. Praise the Lord for your situation taking a positive turn! God bless!
Thank you for sharing this encouragement, Catherine! What a great reminder to never stop praying.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Hi Suzanne:
I am so, so sorry for the pain you’re experiencing on this difficult journey. My heart hurts for you and the disappointment with which you live. Yes — remembering that Yahweh Shammah is with you on this road can bring comfort. Hold on tight to His promises, and keep trusting Him to bring healing into this relationship. When I pray about difficult relationships, I ask God to work in them so they’ll bring a smile to His face. They might not look like what I want them to look like, but if they make the Lord smile, then that’s okay. I hope that helps.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Thank you, Grace. I will certainly give that a try. Your words are always encouraging and appreciated!
I’m glad you commented today. May I pray for you? “Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing the cries of our hearts, even those words we can’t express. We are trusting You to honor this mother’s prayers, and together we ask for reconciliation in this relationship. We know You can do what is impossible for us. Please, resolve the root issues here and bring this relationship to a place that makes You smile. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Blessings,
Grace
Thank you, Grace , as you continue to share about the names of God. You have so inspired me to study these nuggets . Today, your sentence,”Each name is like a facet on a cut diamond, reflecting a specific characteristic that gives us a glimpse of His glory and a better understanding of what He’s like.” wrapped up why I need to study EACH name. It all came together for me. 🙂 Thank you.
Hi Becky!
Yay – I’m so glad that sentence resonated so deeply with you. Every name is unique and offers fresh insight into God’s character, and you’re right — it’s so worth it to study each name. Enjoy going deep, my friend.
Know you are loved,
Grace