Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist once remarked: “Say thank you! I want to hear you say it now. Out loud. 'Thank you.' You're saying thank you because your faith is so strong that you don't doubt that whatever the problem, you'll get through it. You're saying thank you because you know that even in the eye of the storm, God has put a rainbow in the clouds. You're saying thank you because you know there's no problem created that can compare to the Creator of all things. Say thank you!” John 14:27 confirms: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Storms in life, whether they be meteorological or personal, frequently materialize in today’s world. If there were no cloudbursts of misfortune, there would be no need for rainbows. The eye of the storm is regarded as a period of calmness at the nucleus of a tempest or imbroglio. It represents a period of grace, peace, or quietness in activity during the midst of the troubled waters of life. In its welcome stillness, it can allow moments for reflection on the past, or thought and strategy for the future. It allows sufficient scope for astute or careful preparations to be formulated. If the devastation that could be caused by severe storms is to be minimized, then plans need to be drawn up to reduce the possible harmful impact that may be likely as a consequence. Just as storms are driven by wind direction and momentum, so good strategies can deter the progress of intended destruction or hurt. Colossians 2:1-10 reminds us: “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”
Rainbows can be the good things in life, and often follow the bad. They may symbolize hope, grace and the blessing of God for new beginnings. Most storms in life, despite the imminent or forthcoming destructive passage of each, have a categorical purpose. They might be considered as a special cleansing solution that discards the old and fatuous purposes of life, and invite the new. They may initially be unwelcome in nature, but can prune harmful, dead or diseased iniquities. They serve as a reminder that even though the possible damage that may be caused is disruptive, it allows for new growth in life. Just as cutting back overgrowing or dead branches can encourage new vigor and vitality, a storm may generate the same effect. New buds may form that eventually flourish into bloom and display a beautiful new vision in life. Things become rejuvenated and, once again, have a definitive purpose. John 15:1-11 reminds us: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Everyone experiences the personal storms of life. However, for every storm in life there is always definitive hope of a rainbow. Every storm presents its own individual challenge. How we deal with those difficulties will depend on personal empirical resilience and stamina. A correct strategy may significantly reduce the length and veracity of each. When a storm strikes, we are often forced to seek shelter for protection. God can provide that refuge and security. Psalm 27:5-7 reminds us: “For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!”
The period of grace permitted during each storm to change direction is always limited, as the remainder of each ferocious cycle has still yet to pass. However, if the grace is given by God, then that can become eternal. Rick Warren, an American author once remarked: “What gives me the most hope every day is God's grace; knowing that his grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face, knowing that nothing is a surprise to God.” Hebrews 4:1-5 reminds us: Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath,‘They shall not enter my rest,’” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.” And again in this passage he said, “They shall not enter my rest.”
Turbulent waters always evoke the biggest fears in any storm. It is during these times that uncertainty prevails. It is a period that the eyes of God watch over us in anticipation of our future needs. We need the strength and courage to have the necessary faith and trust in Him. If we depend or seek His grace during any adversity, and ask for help in our troubles, His mercy will often provide the reassuring shelter or guidance that we need for the prolongation of life. Isaiah 43:2 reminds us: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Amen.
