The Storms of Summer
“Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend.” (Job 37:2-3,5 NKJV)
Ahhh, summer’s here! Get out your inflatable kiddie pool, crank up the grill, cut the watermelon, and hang the hammock. It’s time to relax.
Oh, and while you’re at it, make sure your cellphone and flashlights are charged, have your escape route planned, keep your gas tank filled, and listen for sirens.
It’s storm season, too.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a stormier summer than usual with a 60 percent above-average hurricane probability in the Atlantic—up to 19 named storms and six to 10 hurricanes, with three to five of those classified as “major.” The hurricane season has already begun, expected to last through Nov. 30.*
After Hurricane Helene’s rampage through our region last October, I wonder if any future hurricanes will drift inland again over our mountains. Tornadoes have started in the Midwest, too, including the one that recently tore through downtown St. Louis.
The problem with storms is that they’re unpredictable. Despite sophisticated weather radar apps at our fingertips, we can still be caught off-guard by an unexpected tornado. Hurricanes change courses at the last minute or gain speed when they were expected to slow down. Lightning can strike anywhere, at any time, even well before we hear the booms approaching.
As temperatures rise, we can expect relationship storms as well. Tempers can flare at work, especially if much of it is outdoors. Traffic jams along vacation routes can make for heated tempests inside vehicles, especially if the air conditioning isn’t working. Tight budgets, health problems, marital quarrels, and political arguments can all stir anxieties into an overpowering maelstrom.
Do storms frighten you? Are you readied for turbulent conflicts? How can you prepare for stormy moments?
Remember that God is in control of everything, including the natural forces of weather, events in our personal lives, and the security of our hearts.
Job, the Old Testament gentleman afflicted by Satan, knew this. Read through Job’s book in Scripture for a glimpse of the incomprehensible vastness of God’s control over the universe, the unfathomable depths of His glory, and the matchless creativity in His handiwork.
When Job argued with God, his Lord challenged him with a barrage of questions about His role in Creation: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?…Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the treasury of hail…? Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that an abundance of water may cover you? Can you send out lightnings, that they may go, and say to you, ‘Here we are!’?” (Job 38:4,22,34-35 NKJV)
God put Job in his place, and he responded with humility. We, too, are foolish if we ignore God’s mastery over our lives. But once we submit to His will and trust His plans, we find peace in the throes of anxiety. Fears subside when we acknowledge the goodness of God in His sovereignty.
There is no need to dwell on the weather…it’s unproductive. As the writer (probably Solomon) of Ecclesiastes said so well, “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know what is the way of the wind, …so you do not know the works of God who makes everything” (Ecclesiastes 11:4-5 NKJV).
Instead, look for God’s provisions for turbulent times, whether your fears are meteorological or personal. Neither worry about nor ignore important warning signs, but act wisely and trust Him for protection. Rejoice in His constant presence with you.
And, look for God’s hand at work, especially when one of His exquisite rainbows appears, a beautiful gift only He can own and offer. When you see one, shout an “Amen!” to Him for His covenant care, His protection, and His faithful fulfillment of promises!
Lord God, how excellent You are in all You do—Your Creation is vast, incredible, and amazing. I stand in awe of Your power in the heavenly elements, in reverence for the way You conduct Your symphony of thunderbolts. Lord, help me to trust in You whatever my circumstances, wherever You have placed me. Guard me from fruitless fears about storms and from turbulence in my family life or at work. Fill me with Your simple peace at all times, and grant me joy in the beauty of Your Creation around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom.
© Copyright 2025 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom.
© Copyright 2025 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #thunderstorms #weather #lightning #thunder #hurricaneseason #hurricanes #summer #storms #tornadoes #stormanxiety #fearofstorms #astraphobia #lilapsophobia
