What do you do when you face those personal storms – disruptive moments in life? Storms have a way of revealing what lies below the waterline.

In the autumn 1992 Michael Plant, an American yachtsman, commenced a solo crossing of the North Atlantic to France in his sailboat the Coyote. It was state of the art – best of sailing expertise, experience and equipment. He left with the assumption that nothing could go wrong but 11 days into the voyage radio contact was lost. His boat was found upside down with no sign of Plant. What they did find was that the 8,400-lb ballast was missing. There is an important principle in sailing – there must be more weight below the waterline than there is above. Any violation of this weight distribution principle spells disaster because it compromises the stability of the boat. The first threatening wind or wave presents a serious problem.

The Bible warns us to “Guard your heart - for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). What have you been building into your life below the waterline that will provide you with stability when storms hit – those disruptive moments that invade your life? Storms happen! We learn more about what’s below the waterline of our existence when we experience personal pain, loss or sorrow. Are you paying attention to your soul?

Younger generations especially in Western society believe life is to be lived without pain, without struggle, without inconvenience. The Psalmist Asaph experienced storms in life, which caused him to question the validity of faith in God. Psalm 73 records his inner anguish facing troubled times in his life. When he viewed life from a worldly perspective he was almost ready to dump his faith. He engaged in some serious soul-talk.

As Asaph contemplated life and viewed it from God’s perspective he realized “when all you have is God - God is enough”. That’s what really matters. Asaph points out that we are inclined to neglect the soul and all else beneath the waterline unless or until these disruptive moments come. We don’t like disruptive moments - too often they are associated with pain, inconvenience, failure and humiliation. Charles Colson (former “hatchet man for President Richard Nixon) discovered in prison, where all worldly props had been stripped away, what true security and meaning was. He found true life in Christ.

Gordon McDonald in his book The Life God Blesses encourages readers to take time to nurture their soul – to pay attention to developing a walk with God – a deep spirituality – a soul in which the Spirit of God is invited to dwell. It involves disciplined living where we take cues not from world around but from the inner world out of which bubbles heavenly discernment, conviction and decision. McDonald differentiates between spiritual experiences and spirituality. Spiritual experience tends to be the “quick fix” approach, which is superficial and more centered on the emotions or the mind. Spirituality on the other hand is like a well that produces and produces with long-term profitability.

The biblical character Job experienced huge disruptive moments in his life. His trust in God did not waver in these difficult times. “I don’t know where you are but You know where I am!” (Job 23:1-10) Job continued to address issues that lay ‘below the waterline’: “My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” (Job 23:11, 12)

David Reuss, pastor of Winnipeg Vineyard Church, wrote a song based on Psalm 73:24-28, “Whom Have I But You? Whom have I but You? Though the mountains fall; they fall into the sea, Though my colored dawn, may turn to shades of grey, Though the questions asked may never be resolved, Whom have I but YOU! Whom have I BUT YOU!”

Twenty years ago my wife was diagnosed with cancer and I felt overwhelmed. I was pastor of a small church, director of a children’s camp, father of four children. I clung to the promises of God and His Word and He carried us through.

When we faced the agony of our son’s struggle with schizophrenia and then suicide we went to the “ballast” of our lives – our faith and trust in Jesus Christ who walks with us no matter what. That’s what kept us buoyant. And faith in Christ will do the same for you. Trust Him.

Ted Goossen is pastor of the Mennonite Christian Centre Fellowship at 328 Thompson Dr.