Children – TRUTH REJOICES

A few years ago, when I was living with my daughter’s family in Maryland, I offered to babysit my grandsons and a neighbor’s son so the young moms could get away for the afternoon. While the boys and I were hanging out on the front porch enjoying the pitter patter of rain, a strong gust of wind blew the outdoor trash containers over and sent us scurrying into the house. Within seconds, it began to downpour and the power went out. After staring at the wall of black clouds through the window I checked to make sure the storage area under the stairs was clear in case of imminent danger. Then I turned my attention to the screaming toddlers.

In the midst of the ruckus my daughter called confirming we were under a tornado warning. As I attempted to detach the terrified trio from my appendages, I informed her of my plans in case the need arose. When the call was over I focused on calming the children by singing songs, reading books, and talking about how “cool” the rain and clouds were. Although the storm outside continued to rage for a while longer, the storm inside quieted. After the wind and rain let up a bit, I took the kids back out on the porch, where to my astonishment, they began dancing.

Seventeen years ago I was in the midst of another storm; the storm of betrayal and divorce. One night in order to escape the chaos, I checked into a hotel. As the winds of change blew and the rains of failure and rejection pummeled me, I turned on the Christian radio station. In the midst of my raging storm the words to a song by Scott Krippayne “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” calmed my raging heart.

Sometimes the storms in our lives are preceded by warnings, but often they are not. Whether it’s the doctor’s diagnosis, a financial crisis, the betrayal of a spouse or friend, a traumatic experience, or the late night phone call you wish you never received, the circumstances that rage around us can easily terrify us and overwhelm us. It’s awesome when the Lord speaks to the wind and waves and calms the storm, but, more often than not, He speaks to our hearts and calms us in the midst of our storms.

When I look back at my stormy seasons, I see God’s love and faithfulness as He held me, grew me, and taught me to dance. He might not have jumped in and immediately changed my circumstances, but He always changed me and deepened my relationship with Him in the midst of them.

If you are currently in the midst of a storm, know that God loves you and He is there for you. Let Him draw close to you and calm you. It might not seem like it right now, but there will come a day when, you too, will dance.