I got a text from a friend to check out the storm, and I instantly ran outside and stood in the massive plummet of raindrops that soaked me, while lightning and thunder roared around me. I find this to be my instant reaction to storms. Storms truly excite me. The more serious their prediction, the more excited I get.
I have been accused of being an adrenaline junkie...which is probably true. I won't deny it. But I don't feel it's the adrenaline that really gets me into storms. I've wanted to be a storm chaser, run down tornadoes and capture the moment of such intensity! But why?
Because I'm crazy? Because I want the thrill? Eh, yes that's part of me...but it's not entirely true. See, as the storm gets more severe, I am excited but then excitement turns into fear. Fear because I know what will happen if that storm gets too close to myself, friends, and loved ones. Destruction follows. Deaths occur. Inevitable damage rages the scene.
So why do I like storms? They remind me of God. The characteristics of a storm coincide with the characteristics of our Mighty God:
Psalm 19:1
The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side.
Psalm 77:17
Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.
Psalm 68:34
Just as people can fall into the wrath of a raging storm, those that don't know Jesus will fall into his wrath when he comes again.
For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Hebrews 10:30-31
It is truly awesome to be soaked in his majesty. I stand in the rain not because I like getting wet. I stand in the storm because I want to embrace the majesty of God.
These storms also remind me of the storms in my spiritual walk. At times they rage all the more in my heart. The thunder bursts louder, the lightening closer, and the wind thrashes me about as personal struggles become harder to withstand. Standing in the rain during a storm is a delight, because I want to delight in my current struggles. It is a reminder that storms come, and storms go, but God is always there, and perseverance is my goal. The more the wind thrashes me about, the stronger God will make me. The stronger the challenge, the stronger the growth.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
And thank goodness I don't have to stand in the storms alone...
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:23-25
I want to see the Majesty of God in my personal storms as I see him in the physical ones.
The path of a storm is unknown, even though we try to predict it as best as we can. The best thing you can do is obey the warnings and take shelter. When the Judgement Day comes, where will your shelter be? Will you heed the warnings now and abide in the only shelter for the ultimate storm?
Until then, delight in the majesty of God all around you. The skies proclaim the works of his hands!
Then I heard what seemed
to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and
like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns."
Revelation 19:6
I love you all.
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