If we only knew. Just a few things. A few more things than we think we know.
As I watched responses from the tragic tornado in Cookeville, I was moved. Moved to a thankful place that even in the darkest most chaotic storm of our lives the presence of God still remains.
In the news many people mentioned feeling God and knowing he is their hope. That he was with them. Through this storm. In the storm. And in the aftermath of the damage surrounding their lives, homes, and community from the storm.
In the midst of the devastation and destruction a bible without a page missing was found. Some called this amazing, others scoffed at its presence. Well, I call it a beautiful testimony to the power of his word.
As a believer of the God who never leaves or forsakes us even in our hardest days, I found comfort that Gods presence was felt by those in the middle of the raging storm. I found profound beauty in the presence of his holy word laying amongst debris of belongings that are treasures in this life on earth as a result of the storm’s damage. Comfort came from knowing that he was there amongst them, with them, and graciously left behind a treasure for us to find.
Friend as I read comments from people who found his beauty in the storm and comments from those who didn’t; this is what laid on my heart for you.
The storms of our life rage around us. And sometimes those storms leave behind devastation and destruction in its path as it tears through our lives. When we stand in the aftermath we can’t help but see all the destruction and devastation. Sometimes we see barren empty land from what was once full of things. Things we treasure. Our homes. Cars. Friends. Family. Things we’ve worked hard to gain. All gone. And we don’t know how we will pick up the dust of dirt left behind to rebuild.
In the middle of that storm, when nothing else remains, this, my friend, is where we find Jesus in his fullness. His mercy that endures forever. His grace that kept us when by every count we shouldn’t be left standing. The love and comfort only he can give. An unexplainable peace that his presence brings. One that others can’t seem to understand. How. How would we speak of his goodness when all of this has happened. They stand in awe and wonder at how we can be strong during this time. If they only knew. Knew him.
Oh, and in the middle of it all as we wander through the rubble is his word. The foundation of our life upon which we will build. The truth where we stand firm. His beautiful merciful life giving word. If we only knew. Knew him. Knew the power of his word before, during, and after our storm. If we only knew.
Then without hesitation we would rejoice at the sight of it all. Because we would know that dark may be for the night but oh the joy comes in the morning. And while it is yet still dark, barren, and storming; he deserves our praise for the joy of morning.
Go ahead my friend, pick it up. Pick up what others see as merely a book that deserved to be tossed aside. Pick it up and breathe it in. His word is power. Life. Your sword. Faith building. Miracle working. The key to the rebuild and restoration of your whole life. Let his word feed your soul as he puts the pieces of your broken life back together. As hope arises from your ashes. Let the dry bones come to life. Rise up from the rubble with his word written on your heart and in your mind.
God is in your storm, working through your storm, and there with you to rebuild in the aftermath of your storm.
Psalm 119:114
“You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.”
