By: Karen O’Connor:
During thunderstorms or storms of life, do you panic or pray?
Pigeons And Lightning Photo, from njaj / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I’m sitting in my daughter’s backyard looking at the fallen branches and twigs from a rainstorm. Finding God in thunderstorms became real to me last night as I lay in bed listening to the clouds clapping and the rain and wind whipping the trees.
The noise was so loud I got scared for a moment. Then I remembered that our God is more powerful than any natural force––for he is the creator of all.
This episode is a good reminder of how small I am and how much my security and safety depend on God’s grace and guidance. When the storms of life blow in unexpectedly, I can turn to the Lord, leaning into him and trusting that these troubles will pass.
I remember one such storm the day I received a call from my husband. My father was close to death. I was on a camping trip with my women friends at the time about four hours away by car.
The moment we came out of the mountains I changed clothes and drove straight to the nursing home, arriving in the nick of time. My sister and I were able to say good-bye and tell Daddy we loved him before he crossed over to the other side. Then a flood of memories rained down on me and the winds of change blew across my life in an instant. I knew that things would never be the same again.
My father had been a strong and steady presence in my life for sixty years. But I also knew that he was in God’s hands. I surrendered my sadness and fear of the future to the Lord and trusted that he would make all things new—in his time and in his way. Now when I think of my father, I smile, resting in the calm that has replaced the storm.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2 ESV Bible. Click the verse to hear it read to you!)
Enjoy this lovely YouTube video featuring the sights and sounds of thunderstorms.
©Karen O’Connor. Karen is an author, writing mentor, and frequent contributor to the Finding God Daily blog. Visit Karen on the web at www.karenoconnor.com or Follow on Twitter @karenoconnor.
If you are prone to anxiety during storms, remember too this verse:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Bible)
Sometimes, after prayer, the peace he gives can be a small miracle, especially when it does transcend all understanding (doesn’t seem logical and you didn’t manufacture that peace for yourself). It is in moments like these we truly sense God’s presence. Ask Him for that peace that passes understanding.
