Why do we go through hard times, or “storms,” as humans? Not just natural disasters, but trials and tribulations in our lives. Where do these “storms” come from? Why is it that when everything seems great, tragedy strikes out of nowhere? And when life has thrown everything at you, leaving you beaten and broken, why does the “rain” pour down once again? The Bible provides many examples of both literal and spiritual storms faced by individuals throughout history. These examples offer great insight into how we can approach storms in our own lives.

We, as humans, see “storms” in the practical sense as natural disasters that vary according to the conditions and seasons in which they occur. The word storm in its primary sense refers to a rushing, raging, or violent agitation (to fret). A storm is a violent wind; a tempest. Contrary to popular belief, storms are not necessarily connected to rain or snow, though they are often mistakenly described as such. A storm is also defined as a violent assault on a fortified place.

As Christians, we should find this definition particularly interesting. The enemy (the devil) attempts to violently assault us because we are fortified by our faith in Christ and His finished work. This definition highlights the significance of the enemy’s strategy: the devil seeks to destroy our testimonies, reputations, lives, health, finances, and anything else over which he has some authority. However, the primary target of his attack is our minds, though he doesn’t have actual authority over them. Unfortunately, through our own actions or lack of awareness, we may open doors that give the devil access to operate in our minds. The phrase “Give an inch, take a mile” perfectly captures this tactic: the devil gains small access to our thoughts through these “open doors” and uses that opening to launch a full attack. He doesn’t need authority over your mind; he only needs to convince you that you don’t have authority. 

A storm can also be defined as a violent civil or political commotion; sedition; insurrection; clamor; tumult; or disturbance of the public peace. It is affliction, calamity, distress, adversity, violence, vehemence, and tumultuous force. This description aligns with the spiritual storms we face in life. These storms bring turmoil, confusion, and distress that ripple into our physical reality. Whether through sudden affliction, calamity, or emotional strife, spiritual storms can create a tempest of violent agitation within our hearts. Storm can also mean to assault; to attack; to raise a tempest; to blow with violence; to rage; to be in violent agitation of passion; to fume — all of which reflect the reactions we may have when facing these challenges in our lives.

How Storms Form

There are many types of storms, and they occur throughout the year, with each season bringing its own variety. Though the seasons change and the storms vary according to the conditions, one thing remains constant: all storms share two key characteristics — how they form, and their destructive power. 

All storms form when warm air rises and meets cold air in the atmosphere, creating instability. This process, known as convection, is essential for storm development. What makes a storm a “storm” is not just its surprising nature, but the destruction it brings. A light afternoon rain, a cool breeze, or calm waves at the shore are not storms. While they may cause some inconvenience, they lack the destructive power that defines a true storm. Wind is required for a storm to develop, but wind alone without destruction is not a storm; it is merely an element or a condition that, without the proper atmospheric environment, cannot act as a destructive force. 

Some examples of literal storms that occur in the Bible include Noah’s Flood (Genesis 7-8), the hailstorm in Egypt (Exodus 9:18:-34), the storm on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-20), Jonah’s storm (Jonah 1:4-16), Jesus calming the storm (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25), Peter walking on water during a storm (Matthew 14:22-33), Paul’s shipwreck (Acts 27:13-44). God speaks to Job & Ezekiel out of a whirlwind or tornado as we call them today (Job 38:1; Ezekiel 1:4). The storm of fire on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-24) was a supernatural act by God but there were physical consequences. 

While storms are easy to understand in a physical sense, not all storms are tied to the weather. Some storms are spiritual, though they interact with our physical reality. Think of storms like divorce, financial ruin, sickness, or the death of a loved one. These spiritual storms, while not weather-related, share the same unpredictable and destructive impact on our lives. Like physical storms, spiritual storms can be difficult to predict, and once they arrive, they leave behind damage that is not always easy to understand or repair. 

One example of a spiritual storm in the Bible is the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). This event is a great example that depicts how the devil uses a small opening to attack one’s mind. It also shows us what a spiritual storm looks like and the effects it has. The devil tempted Eve when she was vulnerable due to her husband not paying attention. Adam’s absence leading to Eve’s boredom and curiosity created the unstable conditions necessary for a storm to brew. Eve’s naivety and her desire to satisfy her flesh was in conflict with the one commandment God gave them: do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. When Adam and Eve ate they could not possibly have predicted the calamitous result. God cursed the entire earth and banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. They would no longer eat freely of the plants that provided sustenance for them. The earth grew thistles and thorns and the animals began to devour each other, becoming dangerous to humans, whereas before, man ruled over all the beasts of the earth, Adam having even named each and every one of them. The choices of two individuals changed everything, resulting in the fall of man. This example represents a man mad spiritual storm that was exploited by the devil. 

Other examples of spiritual storms in the Bible include Abraham’s tests of faith (Genesis 22:1-14), Moses challenges in leadership (Exodus 16-17; Numbers 14), David’s many trials in life (the books of 1 & 2 Samuel, the book of Psalms), Elijah’s despair (1 Kings 19:1-18), the exile of Israel (the book of Lamentations, Daniel 1-3), Jesus’ crucifixion and the events surrounding it (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13), Peter’s denial of Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75), Paul’s fleshly battle (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), the persecution of the early church (Acts 4-8; 1 Peter 4:12-19), Paul in prison (Acts 16:16-40). 

Job’s trials in the book of Job represent a spiritual storm that was created by the devil but allowed by God. Job was considered perfect and righteous in all his ways and it was this righteousness that made him the target of the enemy. His high level of righteousness was in direct conflict with the devil’s will. This abundance of righteousness creating friction with the devil created the perfect conditions for a storm to strike. The devil wanted to draw blasphemy or cursings out of Job. He wanted to put Job in every possible position to sin. But Job never did. Though he faced an immense storm that was not of his 0wn making, the damages he suffered were repaid to him in excess of what he once had. His trust in God protected him and preserved him through the storm. Though the destruction was great and the damages severe, Job ultimately was a fortified man in his faith in God.

In our lives, spiritual storms occur when we or the conditions around us become unstable — when we are spiritually vulnerable. However, a storm can only lead to destruction in our lives if we ourselves are unstable at the time we face a collection of challenges. The challenge is the cool air up in the atmosphere pushing down toward us to give us an opportunity to overcome or grow or learn. Our instability level is the warm air rising creating the friction and conditions favorable to a storm. 

The Source of Storms 

Let’s take a moment to consider the conditions needed for a storm to form. Just as a storm needs warm, rising air and cold, descending air to build, spiritual storms are formed in us when our heart, minds, or surrounding conditions become unstable. In the spiritual realm, this process of “convection” occurs in our hearts with the conscience. When our will clashes with righteousness a friction arises. We then face a choice: to pursue righteousness at all costs, regardless of consequence or reward, or, to pursue our own pleasures and satisfy our own wills. This choice represents the age-old conflict of the human condition. 

The source of all spiritual storms is righteousness—or the absence of it, which is evil. Much like the source of all natural storms is solar energy (latent heat), the measure of righteousness in a person or situation acts as the “solar energy” (the source) of spiritual storms. Interestingly, storms and the chances of their occurrence tend to increase for those who choose God’s will over their own. But there’s good news: we can prepare for these storms, regardless of their source. Just as we cannot stop a tornado, we cannot always control when or how a spiritual storm will strike, but we can mitigate its damage through faith. 

There are 4 ways a storm can be manifested spiritually in our lives:

1. God – to discipline or refine us (Hebrews 12:6).

2. The Devil – to destroy or discourage us (1 Peter 5:8).

3. Ourselves – through sin or poor choices (Galatians 6:7).

4. Others – their actions or influence (Genesis 50:20).

Like the four major elements of nature—wind, fire, water, and earth—these four sources of spiritual storms are always present but not always the sole cause of a storm. Think of these sources as spiritual forces influencing the physical realm. For example, wind, though often invisible, must be present to move warm air to meet cold air, creating the unstable conditions necessary for a storm to occur. Similarly, these spiritual sources influence our lives, creating the “wind” necessary for storms to develop. Essentially, we as humans are the “wind” that allows evil and good to meet where friction occurs and a choice must be made.

The presence or absence of righteousness is the ultimate source of spiritual storms. When there is an absence of righteousness, individuals become extremely vulnerable to storms created by the devil or others. Ironically, when a person is already on an unrighteous path, the devil often leaves them alone, allowing them to continue toward destruction. However, the lack of righteousness also makes a person vulnerable to storms sent by God as discipline or a wake-up call, drawing them back to Him. This absence of righteousness can lead individuals to reap the consequences of their actions, as described in Galatians 6:7: “A man reaps what he sows.” The Bible also warns that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), indicating that some storms are consequences of unrepentant sin. It also tells us that some can even reap the whirlwind in which they’ve sewn (Hosea 8:7), once again indicating consequences for actions or for making unrighteous choices. Biblically the whirlwind is described as a way in which God moves (Jeremiah 30:23). Usually He moves in this “whirlwind” way out of fury over sin or injustice. Nahum 1:3 says “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.” Conversely, Ezekiel was shown the wheel within in a wheel by the way of a “whirlwind” (Ezekiel 1:4), Job was answered by God out of a “whirlwind” (Job 38:1; Job 40:6), and Elijah was taken up to heaven in a “whirlwind” (2 Kings 2:11). We will do further in depth studies on this “whirlwind” way in which God operates in the future.

When someone has Christ’s righteousness accounted to them through faith in His finished work, they are surrounded by immense “solar energy,” which creates conflict with this world, currently under the devil’s rule. A false assumption is that life becomes easier once one is saved. While salvation brings immense joy and purpose, it also attracts the devil’s attacks. Simultaneously, God allows storms to challenge and test Christians, refining their faith.

Whether righteousness is present or absent, others—representing circumstances and outside influences—can be used by God or the devil to create storms, either helping or harming us when they strike. People may act out of their own interests or with our best interests in mind, yet they, too, face the internal choice of pursuing righteousness or personal desires. Interestingly, someone without righteousness might help you, as God can use them to aid you. Conversely, a righteous person might have a personal desire to harm you but resist that desire, demonstrating the power of righteousness. In both cases, friction occurs in the spiritual realm. Storms we create can affect not only ourselves but others, including God and the devil. Similarly, storms caused by others can ripple through our lives and impact the spiritual realm. This is the responsibility and freedom that comes with free will.

Spiritual storms can occur in any season of life. It would be unwise to judge someone based on our perception of the storm they are going through. Anyone can experience a storm at any point in life, often facing many diverse storms. The conditions for a spiritual storm form when a person is presented with a choice. Each choice creates ripple effects in the spiritual atmosphere. These ripples can result in mild winds or violent tornadoes, depending on the level of spiritual preparedness.

Faith As Storm Preparedness 

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 10:25 “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” This piece of wisdom tells us that the more righteous we are, the stronger our storm preparedness is. Christians today in the time of grace are imputed with Christ’s righteousness through their faith. This means that the more faith we have, the more righteous we are, but this righteousness is not of our own glory or works, it is righteousness that belongs to Christ for what He did for us. This righteousness is accounted to us when we believe and trust in His finished work. This is to say, there is no greater storm preparedness than first trusting in God.

Faith is our spiritual storm preparedness. The more faith we have as Christians—the more we trust God no matter what we face—the less damage a storm can inflict. In fact, with strong faith, storms may hit without us even noticing their effects. Faith is both a preparedness tactic and a defense mechanism against storms.

Faith is the anchor that shields us from destruction. Just as preparation mitigates the damage of natural storms, spiritual readiness equips us to endure trials. By trusting God’s sovereignty, we turn storms into opportunities for growth and resilience.

Storms in nature often clear away weak structures, leaving the environment stronger. Likewise, spiritual storms refine our character and deepen our dependence on God. They test our faith, fortify our resolve, and remind us that God is in control.

Final Thoughts  

In life, storms are inevitable—both in the natural and spiritual sense. Just as physical storms test the strength of the environment, spiritual storms test the strength of our faith, character, and resilience. These storms often arise from instability, whether in our spiritual condition, our circumstances, or through divine or external influences. Yet, their purpose is not always to destroy; rather, they serve as opportunities for growth, reflection, and deeper dependence on God.

While we cannot always control when or how storms strike, we have the power to prepare for them. Faith is our anchor, fortifying us against destruction and transforming storms into moments of spiritual refinement. By trusting in God’s sovereignty and remaining steadfast in righteousness, we can endure even the fiercest trials with peace and purpose.

Ultimately, storms remind us of the fragile yet transformative nature of life. Whether sent as tests, trials, or consequences, they call us to lean not on our own understanding but on the eternal truth of God’s promises. The storms may rage, but with faith as our shelter, we can emerge stronger, wiser, and closer to the One who calms the winds and seas.