Amidst the fury of Easter Weekend’s unseasonal winds, this verse from Psalm 29 came to mind:
The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl,
and strips the forest bare;
and in his temple all say, “Glory!”
Isn’t it fascinating that a natural weather event we might grumble about before swallowing some Panadol is the inspiration for the Poet’s praise? The natural elements play a huge part in the story of Scripture, and indeed in the way God communicates to us today.
Years ago, just before becoming a Christian, I was caught out in a storm while tramping and camping. I had gone tramping to get some stillness of mind and work out whether or not this Christianity thing was for me. I was 4 hours walk from the road end when a massive storm came through in the early hours of the morning. Lying in the bivvy in my sleeping bag, just before 5am I heard the words, “What are you doing here when there are people at home who love you?” I was up out of bed in no time, clambering back down the side of a waterfall and finding the track home. All the way home, as the trees buckled and bashed around me, crashing down in the near distance, I felt wrapped in a bubble of peace. God had spoken, and I was going home to be part of the “family” God had prepared for me.
Little did I know at that stage how much my experience would resonate with episodes in the Bible such as Elijah in his cave hearing God’s still, silent voice, or in Psalms such as Psalm 29.
One of the things you might like to do this Autumn, is just go out for a walk in the company of God’s Creation. You may become attentive to the Still voice of God giving direction for your life. But even if you don’t, you will still hear the Temple declare, “Glory!” So hold onto your hat and lend your voice of praise to that of creation. Amidst the whirling wind and scattered leaves, a jubilant shout or a silent whisper of adoration.
Photo: Supplied by George Empson
