This afternoon I was surprised by joy. The thick dark clouds billowed in the southern sky and thunder rumbled in the distance. When Teckla asked me why the thunder made me happy, I had to think.
In Myrtle Point weather is usually predictable: rain, fog, clouds, and occasionally sun. But I even liked thunder in the Midwest where it is way more common. I think I like the possibility inherent in thunder. The possibility that lighting will strike and that things can happen.
At the heart of much depression and despair is the conviction that nothing can change—that nothing new can break through. Those caught in despair and sin are described in Isaiah 56: 12 as saying: “Come let us get wine and let us drink heavily of strong drink; And tomorrow will be like today, only more so.” This is the attitude of those who have no fear of judgment or hope of blessing. “Same ol’, same ol’.”
But thunder reminds that things can change. God acts.
