I sit here and listen to the storm that rages outside my window. The rain pounds hard upon the roof and I can hear the constant flow of water rushing down the spouts as the gutter’s catch all of the rainwater that flows from the shingles above my head. The wind rushes in at times and intensifies these sounds as its force drives the rain harder against my home’s exterior and causes the structure to crack and pop as it obviously moves ever so slightly, but stands its ground. This concert of nature is then further amplified by the sound of thunder rolling in the darkened sky, preceded by flashes of lightening that illuminate everything outside my window as if a photographer were outside taking pictures.
Such intensity of nature is to some a most frightening scene, but I find it peaceful here in the midst of the storm. I sometimes enjoy these summertime thunderstorms, as they remind me of God’s love. I’m sure some would question me upon making such a statement, even allege that I’m a little strange, but my point is actually so very simple to make.
Think of it this way, I am an individual who is simply living my life day to day, as we all are. The storm outside can be interpreted as a storm of life, whether the storm is brought on by sin or not is actually irrelevant, if I weren’t protected by my home I’d be exposed to every element. Finally, and most importantly, my home can then be interpreted as God’s love and his protection for me.
The storms of life can be extremely fierce, they may even weaken our faith at times causing little cracks and pops in our Christian walk as the wind of sin and temptation blow us about, but we too are to stand our ground. We have all sinned and come short of God’s glory, so don’t let that fact get you down. Then comes the rumble, just like the thunder, Satan will try his best to throw fear and doubt into your mind. He will attempt to make you worry about things that may or may not even happen, just like those who fear the storm because something bad may happen. Satan doesn’t stop there either, like the lightening through the darkness he will bring something to your mind to make you feel guilty. Illuminating some past sin that God has already forgiven and forgotten. But through it all God’s love, like the house, protects us from the storm as it rages around us each day. And just like home, God is our place of refuge where we feel comfortable and always wish to return, even when we weaken and stray from his will. In short, all we have to do is trust in him!
God is constantly watching over and has a plan for each of us. If we will take the time to be honest with ourselves and do that which he has led us to do, not making excuses for why we shouldn’t, he will then give us peace in the midst of the storm. Before you know it there will be a calm just as there is now outside my window as the storm moves away. I am still safe in his loving arms and in my blessed abode. Unto God, I give all the glory.
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What a powerful word picture you painted in that first paragraph. I could see it! Like you, I usually love a summer storm - especially when I'm safe and sound in bed. Now that I can picture the storm and my home in the way you described it will be even more comforting (provided all the major electrical appliances are unplugged) ;-) With love, Deb
