I couldn't help but notice the parallel between today's devotional, "Vision and Darkness" and the storm filled sky with its ominous clouds. The weather was certainly not looking like the "vision" I had for a God day. The rain has been falling for hours and still there seems no end to the downpour. Our backyard haven has become a swamp; the pool-a drab brown-looks more like a pond. The wind whips the trees around and everything feels vulnerable as lightning cracks through the thunderous roar of the rain, briefly illuminating the sky and window pane.
The weather-man warned us of the storm to come and like a prophecy...it is upon us!
Storms have an uncanny way to both awe and terrify us. I'm thrilled to see the lightning flash through the sky. Oh, for the thrill of spotting a veiny bolt etch across the horizon. Yet, ask me to go outside in the midst of an electric storm and you'd get a stern look. "No way!" Likewise, I love the rain. The friendly pitter-patter on a roof can be very soothing. Why, add a fire and warm beverage and you've got a cozy little ambiance. Still, how quickly the fire is forgotten and the beverage left to get cold, when the "Drip, drip, drop, little April shower" turns to Niagara Falls, and your neighbor's boat is suddenly knocking at your front door!
I am awed by the power of God in a storm.
I can be terrified when the storm feels like God's wrath and causes everything to appear out of control.
Moments or seasons when God becomes silent, can feel like a severe storm,
even a foreboding disaster, somehow brought on by my sinful nature.
However, Oswald declares God's silence is not always caused by falling out of step with Him. On the contrary, there are times when God hits His mute button as a disciplinary measure. His attempt to redirect my attention back on Him. This is a time I should sit still and wait for God to speak. Moving out from under God's covering in the midst of the storm is dangerous behavior. This is a time to apply trust and wait out the storm. No matter how life thunders around me.
Our faith is meant to be grounded in our trust of God alone. He goes on to warn that our faith is only on the rock when it is not placed in people, books, blessings, even our prayers. We know this...right?
I sense Oswald is saying we may think our faith is in God, when in reality it is in all the people and things associated with our spiritual life: supportive family and friends, our spiritual mentors, bible study resources or our blessed lives. These are only instruments to help us in our walk, but they are never meant to sustain us through the journey. That role is for God alone. It's like having faith in a light bulb and lamp to give you light and not the electricity which they depend on.
The rain is but a mist now. It appears the worst of the storm has passed for today, though more rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. As I sit and look out the window I am amazed at the transformation of our backyard. The water is now drained leaving a fresh clean look to the stone pavers: tiny puddles of gold glistening on their faces. The landscape pops with vibrant colors of: fuschia, purple, blue and every shade of green. The pool is still murky, but I have faith in the filter! The storm clouds are rolling their fury over to another town revealing a glorious canvas of blue sky in their wake. The beauty of the glistening garden drew me out into the yard where I paused to take in the sight and scents following heaven's purification. That's when it hit me.
I turned to the west to check the horizon and found myself blinded by the sun. The silent giant, bright with white light hung secure in the sky. Moved not an inch from his post by the storm. I stood still and allowed the sun's rays to wash over me as a whisper spoke to my soul.
"The sun will no more be your light by day,
nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.
Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the Lord will be your everlasting lights,
and your days of sorrow will end." (Isaiah 60:19-20NIV).
Holding onto a vision from God in the darkness of His silence can feel impossible.
Yet, just as the sun rises every morning, we can rest assured God is still on the throne behind the clouds. The Alpha and Omega, is our strength, and hope: the One we must turn to come rain or shine!
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