Hurricane Season?

Have you ever tried to tame a hurricane? How about just talk into a hurricane? Does your voice carry very far? Last night was my turn to teach the kids at church. I love these kids greatly—each and every one of them. But last night was a test of my love. Their behavior was horrible. They wouldn't listen for more than five second intervals, and I don't know about you, but I have a hard time communicating in five second bleeps. By the time I left class, I was exhausted and emotionally drained.

I tried complaining to God about it, but He didn't seem too impressed. I reminded Him of how I had planned for the class, how I had put a lot of thought into the lesson. I was so excited about it because it was such a good lesson—a lesson that could really help them. But they were too busy whispering and talking and wiggling around. They were too busy trying to draw attention to themselves.

God's reply to me seemed to saying, 'Have you looked at yourself lately?'

What a sucker punch. I may be 30 years older than those kids, but my behavior is just like theirs. I'm too busy whispering and talking and running around to listen to God's voice. And when I look at what He did to prepare for me--His supreme sacrifice on the cross—I'm ashamed. Ashamed of how little I listen to Him. And yet He still loves me.

Sometimes God will use drastic measures to get my attention, like a teacher who suddenly slams a book on the desk to shock the students into silence. Sometimes God just stays silent and waits for me to realize He's no longer talking and to quiet down, giving Him a chance to speak. Sometimes He whispers, knowing that I'll draw closer to hear what He's saying. And sometimes He lifts His hands—His nail scarred hands—and says 'Peace. Be Still.'

But the LORD is in His holy temple.
Let all the earth be silent before Him.
~Habakkuk 2:20


Whatever hurricane I'm in today, I need to listen to His voice. I need to be still so I can hear Him and what He has to say to me. It's a choice I must make. A choice to be still.

Be still and know that I am God;
~Psalm 46:10


Heavenly Father, help to remember that the hands You raise to calm me and my storms are scarred by the nails that You allowed out of love for me. In the midst of my busyness, let me draw close to You so I can hear Your voice and learn what it is You've prepared for me. Thank You for Your love and patience with me. Thank You for Your living Word.

My soul, wait in silence for God only,
for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stonghold;
I shall not be shaken.
~Psalm 62:5-6

2 comments:

  1. Like a hurricane, this was a powerful post with huge impact to my heart and soul today. Thank you for sharing this...I'm afraid I would still be seething over my frustration, and here you are searching inward. Love the verses you chose to help convey the message.

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  2. I love how you are able to take numerous situations in your life and apply them to your walk with God. I learn so much from your insight. I get so busy that I forget who the center of attention in this life should be. I neglect my time with him, and it often hurts me. Not because He punishes me for it, but because I punish myself when I choose to not give Him the time that He deserves. It's like trying to tame a hurricane myself rather than relying on the One who can calm it with simple words from His voice.

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