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Shaking and Shaping

by Bruce Yentes 

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" The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen." Psalm 77:17-19

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We are now in "storm season" in Central Illinois with thunderstorms occuring in June more than in any other month of the year.

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These storms can take the form of a pop-up shower that quickly passes. To the other extreme, they can develop into a raging force of nature complete with roaring and rumbling thunder, rains pouring down in sheets, and powerful lighting illuminating the sky. 

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Asaph, the author of Psalm 77, shows the latter variety as an example of God's power in leading the Israelites through the wilderness and the miraculous parting of the Red Sea, as told in the Book of Exodus. 

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Asaph was seeking some courage during a time of personal distress. Remembering God's powerful works and promises can definitely encourage all of us in times of struggle. And there will be times of struggle. 

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Jesus said in John 16:33, " In this world you will have trouble."

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Just as there are weather related storms, we will also face spiritual storms. These storms can involve a frightening medical diagnosis, a sudden job loss, a broken relationship, or any number of things that can be set us in a fallen world.

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These situations can, unfortunately, often lead us to doubt God's good intentions toward us. 

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But remember, after Jesus said we will come face to face with difficulty in this world, He added: "But take heart! I have overcome the world." 

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Along with the certainty of adversity in our lives, Jesus also promises the greater certainty of His victory.

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We must also remember the biblical story of God's deliverance of struggling individuals and His famous promise of Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." 

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It's been said that life's storms will not only shake us, but can also shape us. For that reason, Romans 5:3-5 tells us that we should actually rejoice in our trouble because "...suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."​​​

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Just as a thunderstorm clears the air and refreshes the earth, we can come out of our personal storms with a fresh perspective and more clarity than ever before on the power of God in our lives.​​​

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