“Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone”—Zechariah 10:1(NIV).
I love the rain, except when it is accompanied by strong winds, lightning, and thunder. Before March 20, 2016, I wasn’t fearful of storms. It was on that day, at exactly 8 p.m., when a tornado hit my house, leaving me fearful of storms. It has taken years to overcome my PTSD.
The sun was shining on that March day. I’d just returned from walking my dog when the tornado sirens started blaring. Sheltering with my pet in a walk-in closet, I barely had time to grab pillows and a blanket from a shelf before the tornado hit.
We’ve had a storm-filled April this year, and records have been set in Oklahoma for the most rain ever. One city has received more than 10 inches and another over 13 inches for the month. We’ve experienced mass flooding and tornadoes during this rainy month.
What a Rainy Month Brings
After a rainy month and receding flood waters, the sunshine has returned. With it are soggy lawns, tall grass, and lots of weeds. In some areas, there are downed trees and large limbs clinging to their lifeblood.
Much needs to be done in my yard to clean up but God has revealed Himself to me in the aftermath, bringing joy and hope before the next predicted round of storms come in next week. My hummingbird feeder, hanging in front of my large living room window, survived the 60-70-mile hour winds. Glimpsing several of the tiny creatures feasting on the nectar brought peace to my storm-weary soul.
Laughter followed later that morning when I spied a tiny sparrow bathing in my overflowing bird bath. He perched on the edge as if debating whether to plunge in before he finally took a leap of faith. He skimmed across the water, flapping his wings, and dunking his head beneath the clear water. I guess, like me, he was grateful the storms had moved on. For now, anyway.
When the Rains Return
In the Bible, rain is both a symbol of the good and the bad. We know the story of Noah and the floods. Humanity had become extremely wicked, their thoughts and hearts filled with evil and violence. However, after the flood, God made a covenant with Noah, promising never again to destroy the world with a flood.
While the sun is shining and the waters are ebbing, I will enjoy the goodness of God’s creation. As I write this, I can hear birds singing songs of praise. Their joy is contagious.
I will not fear the upcoming storms. Instead, I will remember the glimpses and sounds of God’s creation and His goodness overflowing with amazing grace. I know that however heavy the rain is, the sun always returns to bless the earth. When life’s storms threaten to overtake you, remember the goodness of God.
I always love hearing from my readers. Please e-mail me at carol@carolaround.com with your thoughts or visit my blog for more inspiration at www.carolaround.com. If you need a speaker or workshop leader, contact me at the above e-mail address or through my website. I’d be delighted to hear from you.
Photo by Abed Ismail on Unsplash