I love storms!!  I love the furious clouds that swirl and twist and turn in their mad dance, hovering over the earth.  I love to see the power of nature burst forth in thunder and lightning, unpredictable where it may strike next.  Our home is perfectly situated – on a hill.  I can see for miles and take in the ominous (that was one of my mom’s favourite words) skyline.  Sometimes I can’t see very far at all because of the blanket of fog which has wrapped itself around our dwelling.  I’d love to be present during a tornado or hurricane – as long as I am safe, as an observer but not a participant.   Is that even possible?

Life brings storms.  Sometimes little disturbances and sometimes huge ripping, tearing of the soul and spirit.  Sometimes a deep sifting.  I sing the song, Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God, and then when His pruning hand comes, I cry out for Him to please rescue me.  Please save me!!

What do I do with my storms in life?  Where do I turn? What do I hold on to?  What is my security?  Do I joyously accept them from His hand – so that He has opportunity to show His great I AM?

Isaiah 43:1-3a says:  But now, O (Irene), listen to the Lord who created you.  O (Irene) the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.

Notice that it says “when”, not “if” nor “perhaps”, but WHEN.  Storms will come and when they do, God promises that He will be right with us and we will not be overcome for He cherishes us – incredibly!  God has been doing a lot of pruning within me the last while.  Not fun.  It hurts.  My soul gasps at times.  I have had to repent and cry out to God for forgiveness and He tenderly lifts my heaviness by forgiving me.  And I am set free from guilt and shame.  I want Him to prune me; I’ve asked Him to keep on pruning me.  He is a good God, He is my Abba Father.  I trust Him.  It is a choice to trust Him.  It brings peace to trust Him.

And so I wait on Him, wait forHim to continue pruning until it’s done – for now, until the next season.  He reminded me that it takes time for a plant to produce fruit after being pruned, and so I wait upon Him.  And I choose to adore Him, to worship Him.

And He fills me with His peace, in the midst of the storm.

Photos by Gail Biggs