Why are the trials we experience so easily likened to inclement weather? Perhaps, the answer to the question is found by examining the attributes of a storm. Much like when trial is upon us, the very sight of approaching thunder clouds invokes the following feelings:
- Our eyes are the portals into our minds. To see a lightning bolt descend from the heavens and strike the earth in patterns we cannot predict nor discern ultimately sows the seed of fear in our minds.
- The sound of the resultant thunderclap shakes us to the core, thus placing our heart on a hamster wheel of anxiety that won’t stop spinning.
- The increasing wind and first few sprinkles of rain upon our bodies is a foreshadowing truth……..a reminder that the storm will not only be witnessed, but also experienced thus we began to cast aside what we know about God, and allow our feelings to take the wheel of our emotions.
There are now a choir of fears competing for our attention all at once. But there is one that rises to the top of them all….. it is the present realization that we do not have control over the storm. It comes upon us like a robber without little to no warning to pillage the two of the most valuable possessions we have…..our joy and peace in the Lord. In this focus Psalm, David witnesses a powerful thunderstorm moving across the land of Canaan. He observes how:
- The storm stretches inland and destroys the cedars of Lebanon (v5).
- The power of the thunder shook the foundations of the earth where its force was felt all the way in the wilderness of Kadesh, which was a town about 75 miles north of where he was (i.e., Damascus).
There are many trials and tribulations (Jn 16:33) we shall experience in this life, But God is in control of them all, just as he is sovereign over the weather (cf. Mt 8:23-27). This is why with each description of the storm’s impact on the earth, David ascribes it to the power and design of God, thus he says repeatedly, “The voice of the Lord….” Remember, Noah and the Flood (Gen 6-9). God commissioned a world-wide flood as instrument of judgement on the wickedness of man on earth. However, God preserved a remnant (Noah & his family) through that tribulation by placing them in an ark they were commanded to build. While destruction and chaos reigned without, there was peace and stillness within the ark. Why? Noah had faith that God rules over all creation, which includes our troubles. This is what is in view when David says, “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever” (v10). God is our rock and refuge, our ever present help in the day of trouble. When we have faith in this truth, we receive God’s strength that he shares its his people. That is the faith to be still and know that he is God!
May you be blessed with the peace of God that is a by-product of trust that he reigns. Let us be assured like David, “May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!” Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com