A Severe Thunderstorm Warning

"I've gone through the fire, I've been through the flood, I've been broken into pieces, seen lightening flashing from above. But through it all I remember that HE loves me and HE cares, for He'll never put more on me than I can bare" Kirk Franklin & God's Property.

When I was a child, I hated when the weatherman would say A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued. I knew right then what was coming next. My grandmother would bellow from where ever she was and say turn off all the TV's, all the lights and come into the living room and sit down; a storm is coming. Sure enough within 10-15 minutes we would hear some thunder, lightening and then the rain would splatter against the window. One day I got curious and asked why we had to cut off all of the electricity and sit down and be quiet during a thunderstorm. My grandmother looked at me and responded by saying because the Lord is speaking. Well I never understood this peculiar statement, until I started experiencing storms in my own personal life.

These past couple of months have been rough. I've heard the thunder roar, I've seen the lightening flash, I've been tossed and driven, battered by an angry sea. Yes, the storms of life have been raging, but it has been through these rough times that I have experienced the most comfort and peace. "In quietness and confidence shall be your strenghth" Isaiah 30:15. It is something incredible about sitting still and listening for God's soft voice during what may seem like a tragic storm in your life. While the winds are raging, the thunders are roaring, and the lightening is flashing, those whose soul is anchored in the Lord, can rest peacefully knowing that you are safe in his arms. This rest of peace, which seems to pass all understanding will allow you to hear what God is saying as he guides you through the storm and prepares you for the aftermath.

My grandmother always had a way of using strange metaphors or old wives tails to teach me a lesson, and boy am I starting to understand them as I go throughout life. I now understand why people would testify on Sunday mornings that their soul was anchored in the Lord, or how Christ was the captain of their soul. Our christian journey never promised us that we wouldn't experience any storms, yet while they maybe a little rough, while you may get shaken up a bit, or even loose a few things in the process, rest assure that if you settle yourself, stand still, and bask in the presence of the Lord, you can hear him speak peace to your mind, body and spirit and watch the storms cease.