We are each designed for a unique and divine purpose. Live yours!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Thunder and Lightning and Renewal

I awoke this morning to a pre-dawn thunder storm. I don't know how long it had been going, but the thunder and rumbling woke me up about 5:15 - just a few minutes before my alarm was set to sound off.

I love thunder storms! I padded upstairs to the kitchen, turned on the coffee maker, threw open the door to the deck and sat in the living room, where I could look out into the pre-dawn darkness listening to the thunder clap, the rain pattering on the wood deck and watching the sky light up for almost an hour.

I heard a distant car alarm, probably activated by the thunder. Not much else, though besides the rain and the thunder. I felt very close to God during that storm. It's during times like that we know He is completely in control. We can't stop the thunder or lightning. We can't really go outside safely. For a few moments I didn't even have an internet connection--imagine my panic!!

The only thing to do was to wait out the storm. Eventually, my internet connection was restored. The geese who live at the lake in our neighborhood honked gratefully for the refreshing rain. When my son wakes up he'll be grateful he doesn't have to hose off the pollen on our cars. The birds are chirping away now and the air is clear and clean and fresh after the storm. The world certainly appears different than it did a mere 2 hours ago!

Thunderstorms remind me of the storms of life. They can be terrifying when we are in the midst of them. We can feel disoriented, lost, alone and afraid. But just as during a thunderstorm, God is in control. He is there with us as we weather each storm, conquer each challenge and try to muck our way out of whatever it is we find ourselves in the middle of.

I'm so grateful to worship a God who walks with me during the storms, and refreshes and renews me when the storm has passed.

"Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven" (Psalm 107:28-30 NIV).

Blessings on your journey,
Mary

5 comments:

Andrea said...

AMEN! Mary!

And just so you know...the storms began a little after 3am and lasted until about 6:30 am in Chester. I use to love storms....well, Nanuq is giving us a new meaning for the term "afraid of storms." We took turns holding him down so he would not hurt himself again. We are both exhausted, this morning. I needed this post you have written...I was a bit cranky. These storms with Nanuq are merely a bump in the road...he is much better than a year ago. I must praise GOD for his progress and for our (doug and I) ability to work together during these times. We are learning, too.

Hugs,
andrea

Tea with Tiffany said...

Love lightening shows. However we had a tree hit by lightening and wow, you should have seen it. What power. My black lab is terrified of thunder, which is not good for us because Colorado has almost daily summer storms. Luckily they are here and gone quickly, but still our dog goes crazy.

God is in control. Yes, He is. I need that reassurance daily. What a gift!

Enjoyed this devo. And appreciate you commenting on my blog. Thank you.

Enjoy your week!

Peace.

Nana Jul said...

That is so good. I am sending it to my sister!
Thanks Mary.
Love,
Julie

Cheesemakin' Mamma said...

So true! How about snow storms, LOL!

Debbie said...

Good reminder that we are safe in the storms of life when we are in Christ. Thanks for visiting my blog. yes I have been away.. been real busy but am beginning to feel better. Thank you Lord and thanks for the prayers.