God Speaks To Us in the Storm

June 16, 2024
 
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius
The peel of many thunders in the distance signals the approaching of the storm soon to come.  The flash of lightning which illuminates the sky in the dark of night is frightening to behold!  Yes, for some, the approaching storm, with its’ sound of thunder and the sight of lightning, strikes fear into the hearts of many.
 
As for thunder, I imagine its’ rumbling to be the voice of God.  There are some loud crashes of thunder that do make my heart race and my pulse to increase.  When lightning strikes close with an instant sound of thunder, I realize the power of God is on full display.  In those moments of God’s mighty power marching before me, I know my need for Him.  Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) lifts us up in times of weakness.  “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior Who saves.”  Yes, the Lord is my confidence!
 
There was a day when an approaching storm did strike fear into my bones.  Maybe it was because of the in-ground, away from the house, fruit cellar in which mom and dad would take us kids for refuge and safety.  Never figured out why the family was huddled together in the dark of that place while Dad stood above ground watching the approaching storm.  Now, I’m the one standing on the outside watching the approaching storm, just like Dad.  It must be a man thing.
 
But more than the storm, more than the fruit cellar, my memory takes me back to the spiders in that old cellar.  This was not in the era of BC, but certainly in the era of BP, before pesticides.  You needed a stick to knock down the webs before you could even enter.  Those creepy, crawly things were everywhere.  Even in the outdoor outhouse you needed a stick to remove the webs before entry and use.  You get the picture.  Is it little wonder I don’t like spiders?
 
I’m thankful today for a clean basement in which to take shelter from an approaching storm.  But to be honest, I’d rather be on the outside watching the awesome display of God’s mighty hand—as long as it’s not too close.  One thing is for sure.  When the storm hits, I don’t want to be on the outside, wishing I was on the inside.
 
Keep listening for the thunder.  It just might be the sound of God’s chariot comin’ to whisk you home.
 
Watchin’ for the Lord’s return,
Pastor Allan
 
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