In rising wind and slashing rain
Storm breaking, pounding, roaring
Trees do dance… They break and tremble
Whipped by nature’s grasping breath
Do we yet cower… or stand in awe?
We in our weakness before God’s might
Surrendered to those cleansing waters
Breathing in His freshening wind
Look now… A Light is shining
Glowing, filling, warming…
Ever speaking of storm passing
Securely held in its wake
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Heading toward Jerusalem
He entered it that day
Shouts of acclamation
Cries to be saved
Walking among the people
He spoke lasting words
Showed us servant giving
As storm clouds gathered
Oh, where now is our Savior
Betrayed by those beloved
In agony and prayer
Obedient Lamb of God
Can there be such compassion
In the midst of fear and doubt
Loss grief despair confusion
Striking buffeting death
What’s this now seen in darkness
Piercing light and open way
Speaks of new beginnings
Life rises out of love
Jesus walks among us
Transforms our doubt to joy
Fellowship for all who come
Hear see eat with him… Believe
Can it be so simple
Toddler’s first wobbly step
God’s strong hand and presence
Direction faith and hope reborn
Light’s rays to guide us
To lift and reassure
Life’s purpose now before us
There is a better day
Rustle of leaves
on a scorching day
The sun blinks its eyes
as shadows slip in
Chirping birds
Now grow silent
As earth holds its breath
And heated air stirs
The rumble of a passing truck
Grows and speaks to
Dark clouds advancing building
Carried on silent streams
A dog’s sharp bark
Shatters the sudden stillness
And the cat races to shelter
As searing light pierces the sky
Storm’s call sounds
Make way Make way
Wind’s breath blows cool
As full drops descend
Pounding now upon thirsty ground
Washing cleansing making new
Wafting lifting petrichor’s rich smell
… Rain’s offering to lifted noses
Streams of water flowing
Warm toes cooling
Hot faces relieving
Churning clouds slowly recede
Storm’s call beckons
Lifts its arm in final salute
And rolls slowly on
As mist begins to rise
Shining splendor for all to see
Rainbow’s gems sparkle brightly
Breath of wonder and delight
Glorious proclamation upon the sky
Radiance gleaming now
Stretches over the earth
Jaspers rubies emeralds
Precious awe-inspiring sight
Sun rays amidst the clouds
Refracted upon life’s droplets
Drawn from storms passing
Breaking forth to speak of light
flitter fly
like birds in flight
a heart
goes winging
as storm winds stir
beating upward
ever onward
anxious searching
currents lifting
gaining soaring
flitter fly
sunlight shines
above the tempest
others joining
bringing comfort
rise together
light’s glow leading
strengthened carried
toward warmer climes
flitter flutter fly
The child that was me clutched the covers tightly around her shoulders, her frightened eyes wide in the night. The summer storm roared in as rain pounded the metal roof above her head. Wind rattled the tree limbs outside and buffeted the house.
Sizzle! Bang!
Springing from her bed, she raced to the top of the stairs, calling, “Daddy! Daddy!” … and she heard his reassuring voice above the sound of the tempest outside. His footsteps sounded on the stairs and then he was beside her, comforting her.
… I well remember that long-ago night. Staying with me until the storm passed, calming and reassuring me, my father’s presence brought safety and security. The rumbles of thunder slowly grew distant and the flashes of lightning gradually ceased.
There have been many more storms since then, storms of life, tempest tossed. The faith that was instilled in me as a child revealed our Father God, though sometimes the pounding storms distracted me. The dark has a way of intensifying things doesn’t it? Where is hope in the middle of our storms?! It is difficult to hear God’s voice above stress and pain and His footsteps have gone unnoticed or forgotten.
A browned, slightly wrinkled piece of paper is a remnant of one of those stormy seasons of my life. It reads, “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still” (Psalm 107:29). Posted in my kitchen all these years, it is still a daily reminder that God is always with me, reassuring me and calming the storms.
Even after my father returned to his own room, his presence lingered in my mind. I knew that he was close by. I knew that he loved me, demonstrated by sacrificing his own sleep even though he was exhausted after a long day of work. My family was around me and we had survived the storm together!
Psalm 107 says so much about the storms of life. Wandering in the desert, hungry and thirsty, trouble, and darkness… We encounter and struggle with all of these. In times of distress, we can have hope and reassurance that we don’t face that alone. God delivers us. He brings us through, and His love is steadfast. I’m so thankful for that!
Just as the child that was me heaved a sigh of peace and drifted off to sleep, so can we all rest secure in God’s presence. He holds life in His hands and He’s always close by.
“He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed” … a reminder and a promise for us all. “Peace, be still!” *
*Psalm 107, Mark 4:39
• Roads are paths of decisions
• Those decisions lead to many destinations
• Consider all that you encounter along the way
• Some ways are direct and easy to traverse
• Sometimes things ahead are stormy
• It’s hard to see beauty when moving through our storms
• Potholes and cracks develop from stressful situations
• Remembering our origination can help us persevere
• Roadside stops are helpful to the traveler
• Moving along accustomed routes may give a sense of stability
• Sometimes we get stuck or lost and miss the alternate routes
• Whether through wilderness or quiet streets… we seek clear ways
Flash! … Boom! Crash! Crackle! As lightning flashed and thunder rolled late one night, I leapt from my bed and ran to the doorway of my upstairs bedroom. As a young girl many years ago, I still clearly remember how afraid I was. I called for my father, my voice almost drowned out by the storm, and he came up to assure me that all would be well. His comforting presence stayed with me until the worst of the storm had passed.
Jesus’ disciples were afraid during a storm too. As they were crossing the Sea of Galilee, a sudden storm came up and the boat was in danger of sinking. Jesus had fallen asleep, but his disciples awakened him; he got up and rebuked the wind and waters and calmed the storm. *
There are times in life when I am afraid. I’m afraid for my family and others when they face health challenges or accidents. I’m afraid of dangerous weather and travel conditions. I’m afraid because of uncertain times, strained relationships, or changes in life situations. Sometimes I’m afraid to try new things or to step out in a new or different direction.
When Jesus’ disciples were afraid and amazed after Jesus calmed the storm, Jesus spoke of their faith and when my father came to me during the thunder storm, his presence calmed me. I had faith that my daddy would take care of me, that I would be safe. When we feel alone, overwhelmed, and afraid we can remember the words Jesus spoke to his disciples in his final days with them. He encouraged them to have faith and said that he would be sending the Holy Spirit to be with them forever: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. **
God surrounds us with His presence, the storms pass, and the winds calm… Peace to still our fears.
*Luke 8:23-25, **John 14:27
The Still Small Voice 