Storms, they are an intimidating phenomenon. The dictionary gives several definitions, here are a couple:
“A violent disturbance or upheaval…”
“A violent, sudden attack on a fortified place.”
I remember how violent the storms could be where I lived as a kid in Illinois. They were so scary. One particular storm that remains etched in my memory is the time the sky turned a sickening green with clouds, lighting, and thunder rumbling about as canons loose in the heavens. Dad rushed us all to the basement for safety but I remember he would periodically peer out the door to check on conditions…he was, in affect, looking for the break in the clouds. A break in the clouds would signal the storm was passing over.
Storms come to us all; clouds hover ahead threatening to suffocate; thunder and lightening manifest in uneasy thoughts and intimidating fears…. but look for the break in the clouds. Storms cannot sustain themselves, they must eventually pass over! There are blue patches of sky in the midst of those clouds.
Psalm 107
“Some went down to the sea in ships…they saw the deeds of God, God’s wondrous works in the deep… They cried to God in their trouble, and God made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad because, God brought them into to a safe harbor.”
“The winds may howl and the waves may crash all around, but in the depths of God’s green sea there is a profound quietude. Not far beneath the surface of any storm, the waters are still…when the wild winds blow; when the storms rage; what we need most of all is the capacity to plunge into the depths of God, to reach down and feel the peace within. And the winds shall cease, and the waves recede, and there shall rise within a peace that comes with healing in its wings. And they were glad for God had brought them into a safe harbor.” (C. Henderson)
Oh God, I pray that you will give us eyes to see the break in the clouds and ears to hear your calm voice of peace as you bring us into a safe harbor.
