Another
spring storm came through recently. Once again, we endeavored to ease the fears
of our female dog, Kari. This has become a multi-step process. When the first
weather alerts came on my cell phone, we gave Kari a dose of her natural
calming medicine. Not to be left out, and to combat the effects dampness,
Beamer received an extra dose of his joint supplements. Both dogs believe these
to be treats and take them willingly.
As
tornado sirens were heard in the distance, our entire family retreated to the den
to wait out the possible hail and tornadoes that may come through. Fortunately,
neither arrived. The thunder and lightning of a spring storm did come
through our area. As in all storms, we put a “Thunder” shirt on Kari. The
specially made shirt wraps snugly around the dog to simulate a close hug. It is
to provide stability for the fearful animal. Additionally, my husband David
provided distraction by slowly tossing popcorn to the dogs. This routine worked
fairly well.
Later
during the night, another round of thunderstorms came through our area. Both
Kari and Beamer began to whine and scratch to get out of the room they sleep
in. So that my men would be able to sleep, I went to the dog’s room. For the
next several hours, both dogs laid close to me on the bed. As the thunder
rolled, Kari began to whimper. She would quickly calm to my reassuring
whispers, but with each new thunderclap a soft whine would emerge. She was
trying so hard not to cry and she did not bark. (This is great progress over a
year ago.) But even with my presence and reassuring voice, she could not
totally rest at ease.
Internal
storms also occur during our lives. Troubles arise, making life hard, and we
can hear this thunder roar. Currently in one of these storms, I find myself
acting very much like Kari. I began this trial very strong and confident. As
many weeks have passed, I and finding insecurities that I had thought had been
overcome. I continually have to run back to God and rely on His grace and
mercy. He sees the other side of this storm and the bright days coming.
Feeding
daily on the word of God is much like taking that calming tablet before the
arrival of the storm. “Do not
be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of
your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what
is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans
12:2 ESV) God’s word in us is nourishment providing strength and great
comfort during trials. He speaks only truth and we can always trust Him “And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and
your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant.” (2 Samuel 7:28 ESV)
When the
storm becomes loud, it is time to let God put on our spiritual “Thunder” shirt. “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my
soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of
salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom
decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns
herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10 ESV) Even in these storms God’s grace
provides us with all that we need and with beauty too. This beautiful robe is
like a close, comforting hug from the Father.
Once we
have the stability of our “Thunder” shirt wrapped around us, we must listen for
the whispers of God. There are precious promises in the Scriptures. King David
relied on these promises during the hard times in his life. “Be
merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in
the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” (Psalm 57:1 ESV) At other times God will calm the
storms. “He made
the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” (Psalm 107:29 ESV) The
disciples also witnessed Jesus calm the storm. (Matthew 8 and Mark 4) We
will be delivered through or from the storm as God sees fit. We can listen to
the whisper of God. In the same way I went to be close to Beamer and Kari, God
is always close to us. “…for he has said, “I will never leave you
nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5
ESV) Although the whimper may start, His voice will provide the security
to chase the fear away. We can even get to the point that, like Beamer,
being close is enough to bring the needed peace.
As you
face a storm allow the Master to care for you as we provide to care for Kari.
The storm will pass and you will be fine, just as your Father is promised.
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