Storms

Storms

Some may think of me as crazy. Some think of me as a true West Coaster. Call me almost anything you want because I like it when it rains. There have been times when I have been able to sit and watch the unfolding of a storm like it was a great concert. Starting small then building to the crescendo. I can still remember the deafening sound of thunder rolling through the sky. There also have been times when I have walked through the pouring rain. No thunder, no lightening, no awe – just getting soaked.

I don’t know what it is about the rain that makes me feel this way. Most people hate it. Some tolerate it. But I like it. Is it because it reminds me of the difference between me and God? My power versus His? Or does it carry with it some deeper meaning?

Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah, all my stains are washed away, washed away

 They can come without warning and bring terrible anguish.
Destroying everything in it’s path. Unrelenting and unforgiving. Wielding a raw
unbridled power – they bring terror to even the most seasoned of men…

" On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”" (Mark 4:35-41, NKJV)

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear...And grace my fears relieved...

How precious did that grace appear...The hour I first believed

The idea of a sovereign God isn’t talked about very much these days. It seems that the idea of an all-powerful (omni-potent) Being arises only when we want something or when we want to blame someone. But what about the storms in our lives? Could they be ‘acts of God’ just like those we see around the world? Or are they a product of our poor choices and consumptions? Inner struggles come and go. Sometimes like a storm. Unpredictable. Unrelenting. Unforgiving.

And don’t we cry out like those men in the boat? Don’t you care that I am perishing? Don’t you care that my boat is beginning to fill with water?

I wonder what would happen in our lives if we were to examine more closely the words of Jesus…, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no ( little ) faith?”

One thing I know, when I’m walking in the rain my mind travels to these and many other words that call me to place my faith in someone who’s bigger and more powerful than any storm I encounter. In some sense Jesus can be just as unpredictable and unrelenting but the similarity stops there. Jesus is most-forgiving, most-gracious and the Holy Spirit empowers me to move on. Sometimes its in an ‘exceedingly fearful’ way because I have just witnessed His unbridled power. Peace, be still. Sometimes its in a way that I cannot help but cry. Allowing the rain to mix with the tears. And as the rain washes them away I am filled with a sense of awe towards God. As His word permeates my mind, bubbling up from my heart and my soul, I move forward.

" In that day you will say: “I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”" (Isaiah 12:1-6, NIV)

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now I'm found

Was blind but now I see so clearly