The Noise of the Storm

This morning, a thunderstorm popped, roared, and pounded the house. Nemo was pretty nervous. Putting his harness on him seemed to help, sort of like the thunder shirts I see advertised. He followed me around, silently asking for reassurance. He would not leave my side. So, I patted him and told him everything would be fine. It was only a storm, not some loud monster. It would pass. His faith in me is humbling.

I rather enjoy a good thunderstorm, accompanied by a cup of hot, strong coffee, but my little dog doesn’t understand all the noise and clamor. Perhaps he feels electricity tingle in the pads of his feet.  Maybe he wonders how he will protect me against something so mysterious and scary. But, you see, I know that the storm will not last. Nemo may not know that.

Storms of life swirl and roar around all of us. We are buffeted by a lot of scary stuff. At this season of the year, love should predominate. And peace. And joy. But sometimes sadness, worry, grief or illness are what we see and feel.

We don’t understand. And we would like for someone to reassure us and tell us everything will be all right. Actually, Someone already has. We just need to listen. Amid the din and fearfulness, God’s Word tells us that this too shall pass. Love will prevail. Illness will be health; sadness will be joy. God sent His only Child to earth to bring the message of hope and peace and joy. And, yes, most of all, love. We just need faith to stay close to Him.

The storms are loud but He is the One who calmed the storm. If we listen for His voice, we can hear Him tell us, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here. Everything will be all right.”