Who is in the wind?
Yesterday, here on the farm, a sudden gust of wind whipped through the trees. Birds and squirrels scurried away from the feast of seeds my husband had tossed onto the driveway. The sky darkened ominously and I wondered–What or who is in the wind?
We’ve had a rainy week here in the US mid-Atlantic states. Powerful storms pummeled my flowers and made a murky mess in the horse pasture. Winds blustered and tumbled over potted plants and stripped fresh green leaves from trees newly dressed in their spring foliage. But sunshine had returned after three days of rain and the sudden, and disturbing, gust of wind yesterday was a surprise.
What is wind?
Wind is the movement of air caused by pressure differences in the earth’s atmosphere. Pressure differences result from uneven heating of the earth’s surface from the sun. Warm air expands and rises, creating a pressure imbalance. Cooler air nearby rushes in to fill the space, creating wind. The greater the pressure difference, the stronger the wind. (Natural Resources Defense Council)
When these sudden pressure imbalances occur, powerful winds and severe storms can result. But on this day, at our home, the powerful gusts lasted only a few minutes. The sky cleared of threatening clouds and the winds became gentle.
Gentle winds and gentle whispers
We farmers and nature lovers thrive on those gentle winds. A cooling breeze after a day of outdoor work is a welcome blessing. In the dawn during my morning chores, the rising sun, bird choruses, and gentle winds announce the joy of a new day.
But Elijah the Prophet experienced a different kind of wind
After Queen Jezebel threatened to kill Elijah, the Prophet ran for his life to Beersheba in Judah. From there, Elijah fled further into the wilderness and prayed for death. In response, God sent an angel with food and drink for Elijah. Nourished by his Father’s care, Elijah continued for forty more days until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God (summarized from 1 Kings 19).
The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV)
Who is in the wind?
I find peace and assurance in nature. Although I love to sit on my porch during thunder storms, I know it’s not the safest thing to do–but I feel God’s power in His creation. Whether it’s the wind and rain of a storm, or the warmth of the sun as it joins with rain to grow trees, flowers, and the crops farmers nurture to feed us, our God is our creator and protector.
Elijah experienced the faithfulness and protection of his LORD. That same Father loves and protects us.
Do you feel His presence in His creation, in His power and protection, in His love for you?
Do you feel Him with you as you see a sunrise, take a walk, and enjoy a gentle wind cooling you on a hot day?
Our Father is with us through the storms, in the trials, and each step of our journey.
I love we can feel God in every moment. In the sunshine and the rain, in the good times and the bad times, God is with us. Have a blessed week! 🙂
I agree, Melissa. We are so blessed! Wishing you a great week.
I love to enjoy nature also, Katherine. Watching plants grow reminds me of the power of a seed. The wind reminds me of the Holy Spirit in power and also as a gentle whisper. Hope your plants survived the storms. We had to prop some things back up, but they should be okay now.
So far my plants are surviving the weather extremes. I dread when I have to water them constantly, but that’s just part of summer. A seed is an amazing thing. I like to see those films where it shows the tiny sprout emerging under the ground and pushing its way up through the soil. God’s creation is amazing. Wishing you a blessed week.
I love that story of Elijah and God’s gentle whisper. I especially enjoy the gentle breezes that blow through my porch in the spring, before the weather gets too hot and humid.
I expect we’ve both experienced the joy and comfort of God’s gentle whisper. Thank you for sharing that thought, Debbie. Like you, I love the gentle breezes on our porch this time of year. Wishing you warm days and spring breezes!
Always, “God is our creator and protector,” and I’m so thankful.
I’m thankful, too, Diana. We are so blessed by our Father’s grace, mercy, protection, and love.
Oh, I so hope and pray to feel God in every moment! Thanks for the encouragement, Katherine! Stay safe in these spring storms!
The Bible tells us if we seek Him, we will find Him so He’s always available for us in every moment. What a blessing and comfort that is! Wishing you safety, peace and joy, my friend.
God often speaks to us in a gentle whisper. That’s why we must grow still—so we don’t miss Him. I best find stillness in nature because it quietens my soul.
My feelings, too, Candyce. Nature quietens me, mind, body, and soul. Then I hear His gentle whisper–and sometimes His firm chastisement (that I deserve). And He is still gentle about putting me back on course. Peace and blessings.
I’m sitting on my deck listening to the birds sing as a gentle breeze blows as I read your message. And I feel the Lord’s loving presence with me. It is such a blessing for me to spend time in nature as it nourishes my spirit. Thanks Katherine
Nature nourishes my spirit, too, Yvonne. The recent spring weather has been absolutely wonderful. I’m glad you’ve been blessed by it. May God continue to bless you and your ministry to serve Him.
I love how God reveals Himself in His creation! We serve an awesome God. And thanks for the prayers for showers of blessings. My dad used to sing that song—brings back a sweet memory I haven’t thought of in years. Showers of blessings to you too, Katherine!
We sing a lot of the older hymns in our country church. I love them! But I know there are many ways to praise our Lord in songs and I appreciate all the different types of praise songs we sing to Him (as long as they’re not too loud). Blessings!