“If you want the rainbow, you’ve got to put up with the rain.” ~ Dolly Parton
It was a spring night in April and a line of ferocious storms rumbled through my hometown bringing with it high winds, heavy lightning, and rumbles of thunder that shook houses. After hearing the meteorologist’s forecast – and being one that’s not particularly fond of storms – I’d already planned for it to be a night of tossing and turning. My children and I had decided to enjoy their spring break at my grandmother’s house and though the weather had been perfect all day, things had quickly changed.
Before I tucked my children in for the night, I peeked out of the bedroom window. I couldn’t see a thing. The storm clouds were hidden in the darkness that blanketed the sky.
You see, I’m the person who turns on the weather radio at home just in case a life-threatening storm brews in the darkness of night. I don’t take the warnings lightly when they report on tornadoes that flatten neighborhoods when everyone is sound asleep. I realize that in a matter of seconds a person’s life can be changed forever.
I cocooned myself in the covers with my children, and read until I fell asleep. I woke up when….it was morning. A miracle! I’d slept through the entire night without hearing the faintest sound. My account of the storm is only from news reports and second-hand accounts from my grandmother. She shook her head as she retold how it seemed the wind was about to peel off the roof to the house she’d lived in for over fifty years.
I’d been sound asleep.
It reminds me of the peace God has brought to my life in the midst of some of my family’s storms. Financial wind gusts that threatened our family budget and depleted our savings. Rains of familiarity that drizzled into my marriage. Thunderous stresses of motherhood.
Sometimes the rain sprinkles, other times it pours.
When we trust in God’s word and rest on His promises, He takes care of everything that concerns us. I heard someone once say that when you walk with God, “There may be plenty to think about, but nothing to worry about.” Matthew 6:27 says, “Who by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” and Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
After nature’s storms and life storms, there’s always some cleanup to do. It may be strenuous work, but afterwards things are more refreshed, rejuvenated, and revived. Great things blossom. Now this doesn’t mean that we’ll always sleep through the storms or that we’ll walk through tough times without being scathed, hurt, disappointed, or overwhelmed. Instead we might as well do our best Gene Kelly impressions, put up our umbrellas, and start singin’ in the rain! And while you’re exercising your vocal cords, keep these things in mind:
- Thunderstorms last anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour, so although downpours are heavy it’s only for a brief period. Sooner or later, your storms will pass, too.
- Storms may occur singly, in lines, or clusters. If you look out of your window during a storm, you’ll see it’s also raining at your neighbor’s house. Rest assured you’re not the only one in a storm. “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)
- Seek shelter during a storm. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)
- Unplug appliances and other electrical items to prevent serious damage from lightning. Likewise, you should disconnect from unnecessary activities and people who won’t protect and cover you during your storm. Connect (or in some cases, reconnect) with God, the ultimate source of our power. 2 Samuel 22:33 reminds us, “God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect.”
Stand On The Word
- The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18:10
- He calms the storm, so that its waves are still. – Psalm 107:29
- The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders. – Deuteronomy 33:12
- Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
- You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. – Isaiah 26:3
- I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. – Psalm 37:25
Think It Out. Write It Out. Walk It Out.
- When times get tough, where do you go to seek shelter?
- When a storm arises do you take the helm of your boat, or do you let God take control and steer you through the storm?
- Meditate on Psalm 107:29, “He calms the storm, So that its waves are still.” What does this verse mean to you? Can you apply it to a current situation in your life?
This devotion is taken from “If These Shoes Could Talk,” a 30-day devotion for a women’s daily walk of faith, written by Tia McCollors. Read more devotions like this by CLICKING HERE.