Last night, my husband and I decided to sit out on the front porch swing and watch the thunderstorm. The air was cool and crisp, and the sound of the rain was soothing. I could smell the frangrance of cut grass mingling with the scent of fresh spring rain, and I could feel on my face, the moisture of a light mist blown in by the breeze. Even the roar of the thunder and the flash of the lightning was beautiful to me!

Now, I must tell you that I am not usually a lover of thunderstorms. My husband could marvel at a thunderstorm all day long, but I am usually just annoyed by them. Thunderstorms are an inconvenience to me. They’re noisy, wet, dark and depressing. Unfortunately, that is also the way I would describe my life sometimes.

The thuderstorms of life are certainly annoying and inconvenient! However, I have realized that no matter how choatic the storm is in our life, if we step under the cover that God provides, we will find peace and see the beauty in our storm.

As long as I was sitting on the front porch, I was shielded from the full effect of the storm. I could see it, hear it, and even feel it, but I felt safe and at peace! This reminds me of how Jesus was found sleeping in a storm-tossed ship full of fretful disciples.

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Matthew 8: 23-27 ESV

Why was Jesus sleeping when His disciples were in need? He was sleeping because he found rest in trusting His father. He knew that God was in control!

No matter what storm we are going through, we can find peace and rest under the protection and provision of God’s “front porch.” We may even be able to look at our situation and see the good that will come from it, thus finding the beauty in our storm!

Do what is right as a sacrifice to the Lord
       and trust the Lord. 

 Many people ask,
       “Who will give us anything good?”
       Lord, be kind to us. 
 But you have made me very happy,
       happier than they are,
       even with all their grain and new wine.
 I go to bed and sleep in peace,
       because, Lord, only you keep me safe.

Psalm 4:5-8 NCV