Seriously, God...where is your hand in all these storms?
The weather has been in our headlines, but God is still in control.
My heart goes out to those whose lives have been greatly affected by the hurricanes and storms in the southern parts of the United States. Hurricane Helene and Milton have caused so much damage in the United States, but I also know there has been massive flooding in Italy and beyond in the last few months. The weather is one of those things that doesn’t feel confusing—God is involved with the weather in some sort of fashion. Minus an idea of global level human impact (e.g., global warming), humans cannot claim to control the weather. Whether it is purposeful or a system that God designed—or likely a bit of both in a mysterious concoction—I don’t think anyone who follows Christ could disagree God fills all space and time.
The fancy word for that is omnipresent.
When I drive to school now, it is dark and the only light comes from early morning commuter headlights and highway lighting. As the sun appears and the Earth’s ground warms, I’m always in awe of the morning fog that develops. Where I live I rarely see fog, but on the roads that divide fields and open country, I see the thick mist hovering out in the open. It is beautiful.
When I see the fog, I see God.
What I mean is the vapor reminds me that God is everywhere and his hand was in the creation of that vapor that I can see. I drive by a dizzying number of blades of grass and flowers along the road, and I’m reminded that God has a hand in the maintenance of each petal and blade. It is crazy to think how dynamic God is if you think about that. We know in Christ all things hold together (Colossians 1:17).
So the tension exists that God’s hand is in the untamed storm and peaceful fog. One so destructive, another so peaceful. Both powerful. God is powerful. C.S. Lewis describes the character Aslan the lion (a Christ-like figure) as capable of great violence but also utter gentleness, which captures the tension well. God can be confusing, but he is with us nonetheless.
Like the storms in the world, my life has been turbulent and stormy. Not like the physical storms in the South, but yet I ask, “Where is God’s hand in this?”
There is only one answer—still here as he has always been.
Hs omnipresence even comes down to the air we breath. There is a praise song that I grew up with that said, “This is the air breath. Your holy presence, living in me.” This line reminds me of this is verse: “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” (Job 33:4). With each breath of the atmosphere, which is in God’s hand, we continue to live. Our every breath is in God’s hand. I breath in God’s love with each breath I take. And my exhale? A profound brother told me—each exhale can be thanksgiving and giving joy. For others it can be dispelling our frustration and uncertainty. For me it’s going to be both. I take a deep breath, exhale, and remember his presence.
What reminds you that God is always with you?
Not getting the job I had interviewed with for 4 weeks was huge disappointment, but it reminded me that God was with me every step of the way. (You also reminded me, thanks for that). When the outcome wasn’t what I’d hoped, He reassured me that my worth isn’t tied to a job title and that He has a bigger plan for me. Even in setbacks, I learned that God’s presence is constant, guiding me towards something even better.
- When I reflect on how far I’ve come, and the ways God has worked in my life, it’s a powerful reminder that He’s been with me every step of the way. Looking back and seeing His hand in my journey reminds me that He’ll continue to be with me, no matter what the future holds.
You are so right and brave. God is with us!