NOTE: This was originally published on September 2, 2011
We had just started to lay out our campsite. The tents were unpacked and the assembly technique was determined… and then the rain came. And then the hail. We sat in the car and watched. A gap in the weather gave us the window we needed to finish our site construction and we were settled in enough to withstand the moderate weather onslaught that characterized the next twenty-four hours.
Tucked in the Colorado Rockies and accompanied by Mary’s sister and brother-in-law we had the ingredients for a successful three-day adventure, even with the unusual weather. And then Monday night came.
As though a drape had been pulled off of a masterpiece in its inaugural showing, the clouds parted in the early evening. The growing darkness revealed what clouds and light had obscured. The sky exploded with light. Not just a few twinkling stars, but a display that was nothing short of awesome. We looked heavenward until our necks hurt. There was no moon, no city light, no artificial distraction… this was full blast beauty, glory without constraint.
We looked for familiar constellations, i.e. the Big Dipper. It leaped at us from the northwest edge of the masterpiece. Brilliant and distinct. Each of the seven stars were poised on the front of the stage in predictable and stunning brilliance. They were bold; now surrounded by a supporting cast like I had never seen. I marveled and in doing so I mumbled “wow” over and over again.
On the other side of the storms the majesty of God is revealed. When the clouds part; and they will, when the rain stops; and it will, when the thunder stills; and it will… then the power, and faithfulness, and glory, and beauty, and extravagance, and consistency, and magnificence of God will show.
All of the storms of life, even the hurricanes that pounded the East Coast, can’t disturb the galaxies above.
Our God is unshakable. He stands permanently and perfectly behind every storm. Often He is the most brilliant and beautiful right after an onslaught.
Yes indeed… “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” ~ Psalm 19:1 (ESV)
Behind the storm.
Is it raining? Are the clouds thick? Is the earth shaking beneath your feet? Are you hunkered down with no sign of clearing?
Behind every storm. Our God.
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Thank you for that wonderful word pictoral that brought me back to the acreage and my memories of it. We were even blessed once with a 3 color display of the Northern Lights in our little valley. I love God’s displays of His nature. They feed my soul.
Bonnie Tennant