By Kara Johnson
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” ~ Zephania 3:17 (ESV)
The other day, my knee was being unusually problematic. Despite the great annoyance, I had to halt my pre-dawn, coffee-fueled routine and stretch.
Standing there in forced stillness and uncommon silence, I noticed the wind howling outside. Instantly, I shuttered and bristled at its ferocity, but then I heard something else. In the midst of the storm, my wind chimes were singing.
They’ve been there for years, secured and present, faithfully responding to the elements and seasons with consistency, fervor, and melody. Yet, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d really heard them.
Moving like the wind
Sacred scripture uses the example of wind to portray many great spiritual truths! At that moment, I saw the beauty of how the Holy Spirit moves in our lives—acting as both the wind and the wind-chimes.
When we can’t see through the darkness, like the wind, He’s active and attentive, moving to fulfill His purposes in ways we can’t conceive or control.
Music in moments of chaos
When we find ourselves thrashed by circumstances, like the chimes, He’s reminding us of His presence and offering notes of encouragement. When tempted to focus on the noise and disorder, He asks us to listen so we’re better postured to hear and notice the blessings offered within the chaos.
It’s funny. Now, when the wind rages, I notice the chimes first. They were distant before, buried under busyness and being overwhelmed, consumed in problem-solving and merely surviving. But now, I can’t un-hear them.
Isn’t this like God? Even when we must strain initially to catch the faintest whisper of His presence, with practice, we’re able to better focus on His goodness and offerings of beauty despite the disarray and disappointment around us.
Oh sweet friend, do you need to stop and listen for a moment? Can you find hope even in the hard? Do you notice tiny tunes of blessings beckoning even through the pain? Take heart; our God is present even when we can’t see and prevailing even when we can’t yet hear.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being attentive and active even when we can’t see you! We ask today, that you would let us hear your voice and see your goodness through the storms so we can be encouraged and transformed into a song of hope to those around us. Amen
Call to Action
Take a moment today to pause, close your eyes, and really listen for the Spirit speaking to you in the whispers, the wind, or the wind-chimes!
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This message speaks to me in a very positive way. Thank you!
It also made me think of people in hospitals who cannot have family or friends visit. They are in a dark moment and in a scary place physically alone even though God is with them. I need to pray more for them so they can really feel God’s presence. In dark moments in life it can be so hard to feel God’s presence. In prayer, meditation, adoration or at Mass I can feel God with me and it makes all the difference for me. So I was thinking how can I help others in dark moments who don’t have the same opportunity. My thoughts from your message.
Oh Yes Elizabeth! I was actually thinking this same thing as far as taking the thought further into the question of “how can we then be chimes in the lives of others?”…It sounds like the Holy Spirit is so clearly singing to you and asking you to offer a song of hope and companionship to those in your sphere who so desperately need it! Praise be to God and Thank you for your insight and wisdom! May we all find and use our opportunities to “Chime on” today! ; )
WOW! Cannot tell you how much I LOVE this post. Absolutely insightful and fabulous. “At that moment, I saw the beauty of how the Holy Spirit moves in our lives—acting as both the wind and the wind-chimes.” That is such a beautiful th0ought. Thanks so much for sharing your gifts with WINE! You are such a blessing!
Thank you Kelly Wahlquist!
I really enjoyed reading this and loved that you “can’t un-hear the chimes now.” I feel that way with Jesus having called me closer to Him. I can’t un-hear Him anymore!
Oh praise God Lisa! What a wonderful encouragement and example you are! Praying over you as you continue to lean in, listen, and embrace all that God is showing you!
Lovely!
Thank you Mary! Lifting you up before our great God and King today! May you be richly blessed!