The Tempest

Psalm 107:24-25 (NIV)- “ They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.”
     The weather on the east coast has been up and down and all around for the past month or two. We are fast approaching the heart of winter and some of the trees here in Atlanta haven’t decided if their leaves should change color, drop or just cling on for dear life. Soon we will experience some much needed rain and hopefully the fog will dissipate so we can actually see the beauty of the raindrops and the rainbows that come with them.     As our scripture for today indicates the wonder of God happens in all aspects of life on planet earth. The same hand that can produce a storm will quiet it. We may not understand why stifling dust storms, blinding blizzards, torrential rains, tsunamis, or the slow moving lava of active volcanoes could be signals of a just and powerful God; but our faith tells us that these occurrences are not times to mourn and complain, but to humble ourselves and draw nearer to God in prayer. Every shift in the weather is a call to trust God and rely upon his sovereign grace and perfect will.
     What shifts do you see do you see brewing on your horizon? What troubles do you see looming just ahead? If God has given you foresight to see the potential for trouble, use these forewarnings as a time for prayer and quiet reflection. Don’t’ always ask God why the storm is coming or why you have to go through the storm. Praise him for the fact that he will not allow you to go through the tempest unaware or alone. There is a lesson in the storm. There is a blessing in the storm. Some things in your life need a shaking and some loose ‘junk’ needs to be blown away. There might be some things that you really don’t need but you are too attached or even to distant to get rid of; so a storm can provide the right impetus to let you focus on the real importance …life itself.
     So let us pray for the safety and well-being of all parts of our country as weather patterns are changing. Let us praise our God for in his mercy these storms will bring him glory if we know how to ride it out! Your own personal storms will bring God glory if you just let go…let God do what he does best…and ride it out! No murmuring…no complaining….just praying!
     Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Live victoriously. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn