bring it on

Outside my home, intimidating thunder is booming like heavy doors slamming in a scary movie. Lighting is dancing fickly across the dark sky of early light, touching down on the horizon where the warm sun would have debuted this morning - had it not been for this unexpected storm, that is. Had it not been for the heavy cloud cover that darkly overshadowed this new day.

Inside my home, the electrical power plays hide and seek... on and off... on and off. Outside, I hear the heavy winds whistle and taunt - teasing me as it infiltrates the leaks present in my poorly insulated windows. But I'm still grateful for those windows. I'm grateful for the roof above my head keeping me dry and safe. I'm grateful for the back-up battery in my laptop. A battery that will allow me to accomplish several more hours of work regardless of these shifting, torrential weather conditions.

I reminisce to my youth - when my daddy's assurances comforted me whenever the "monster" thunder would suddenly roar outside our home. He would say with encouragement, "Vicki, God just sneezed, so we should take time to bless Him!"

"Yes, gazoontite God." I playfully internalize, "From the sound of things, it must be allergy season for You too this morning." But I know better. I know that my God does not sniffle at mold, dust, or pollen. My God does not tremble when the audible bass of the upper atmosphere rumbles or rains. No, my God is stable in His power. My God is secure in His protection. My God is solid and always ready to back me up and give me exactly what I need (and when I need it). Why? So that I can obediently accomplish His work. So that I can joyfully glorify His Name. So that I can faithfully be used for His good purpose and flourish in His grace in the process. Yes, regardless of this world's torrential condition, my God is greater than the storm.

So, why be distracted by passing weather conditions, believer? Why give the enemy a foothold to try and grand-stage our attention away from the King of kings? No thunderous temper tantrum or cursory condition can ever change WHO is ultimately in control of our lives!

GOD IS IN CONTROL!

GOD LOVES US!

GOD IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL TO HIS OWN!

So, no matter how gusty it becomes... no matter how scary it may seem... no matter how hopeless and dangerous the forecast appears ahead... we should always take the time to bless His Name!

BLESS HIS NAME... for He alone is worthy!

Glory to God in the Highest! All praise and honor belongs to Him! His kingdom will stand forever! His throne will rein supreme! No matter what comes, let's cling tightly to the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ and bless His Name through every uncertainty... every storm... every trial!

He is eternal. His Word stands unchanged and true! I am always safe and secure under His covering! So, bring it on... for I will indeed rest peacefully in His care and bless His Name forever and ever!!!

I didn’t come lookin’ for trouble
And I don’t want to fight needlessly
But I’m not gonna hide in a bubble
If trouble comes for me
I can feel my heart beating faster
I can tell something’s coming down
But if it’s gonna make me grow stronger then…

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let the hard rain fall, let it make me strong
Bring it on

Now, maybe you’re thinkin’ I’m crazy
And maybe I need to explain some things
‘Cause I know I’ve got an enemy waiting
Who wants to bring me pain
But what he never seems to remember
What he means for evil God works for good
So I will not retreat or surrender

Now, I don’t want to sound like some hero
‘Cause it’s God alone that my hope is in
But I’m not gonna run from the very things
That would drive me closer to Him
So bring it on

Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let the trouble come, let it make me fall on the One who’s strong
Bring it on
Let the lightning flash, let the thunder roll, let the storm winds blow
Bring it on
Let me be made weak so I’ll know the strength of the One who’s strong
Bring it on
Bring it on

(Lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman)

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders. (Psalm 107:29-32)

But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may rejoice in You. (Psalms 5:11)

Blessings!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson