The sun was out when I strapped my 3-year-old nephew into the car. We were on our way to the museum, and he was excited to ride the choo-choo train on the museum grounds. But when we pulled into the parking lot, we began to feel a slight drizzle. Shortly after, as we ran inside, the sky drew ominously dark, and it began to pour.

As we wandered through the exhibits, we passed a side entrance where families began to rush inside, one after another. Just outside this side entrance, down a somewhat long path, sat the choo-choo chain we had come to ride. Ten minutes earlier, riding the train probably seemed like a great idea; unfortunately, this “great idea” resulted in dozens of families getting soaked in the storm. As soon as they came inside, though, these families immediately relaxed. They appeared safe and warm, finally out of the rain.

This experience made me think of the storms I’ve gone through in my own life. At times, I’ve felt as though I’m standing in the middle of an emotional downpour, when the hurt felt constant and all-consuming.

Have you ever felt this way? Like those families drenched by the pouring rain, you feel emotionally drenched by the uncontrollable storms swirling around you, unable to avoid their wrath.

Thankfully, these storms don’t represent the end of our story. God knew we would experience times of disappointment, betrayal, grief and heartache. He knew we would become overwhelmed by the clouds and the rain, losing sight of an escape from the storm brewing around us. But by meditating on the words found in the Bible, we can come in from the rain, finding peace and safety even when the storms swirl outside.

If you find yourself in the midst of a storm today, be encouraged as you seek comfort in God’s Word. Know that you can always find peace and safety in your relationship with him, even as the clouds and the rain continue to rage around you. These five verses will get you started: