Thunderstorm

Lightening flashed like a strobe light — off/on, off/on, lighting up the sky as bright as day, then plunging it into deep darkness. Thunder rumbled. Rain pounded the earth, drenching the already water-logged ground. Without warning, the sound of a thousand bowling balls slamming into each other, pummeled downward. How long will this storm last? Doesn't it know that I have things to do and places to go?

I left the dishes and silverware soaking in the sink and sat down on the steps, by the open door. The powerful flashes of light, that lit up the entire street, reminded me of someone who turns my darkness into light. Too often, I find myself oscillating between long periods of darkness and very short moments in the brightness of God's love. Does this storm reflect the back and forth meanderings of my thoughts? Or the flickering fickleness of my life? I long to be in a place where truth lights up the world around me not just once-in-a-while, but all the time.

Thank you, Lord God, for the electrical storms that make me stop and wait, stop and listen, and stop and see. I need You to interrupt my ordinary life with the powerful boom of your extraordinary grace. I need the brightness of your amazing love to light up the darkness. Thunder into my life, O Heavenly Father. Make me excited about You. I want to light up with the love of Jesus Christ.

May you breakthrough the barriers in your life that are keeping your beauty hidden. For more encouragement and inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com

Hummingbird

A hummingbird lingered near one of the high branches of the evergreen tree. Its quick movements caught my eye as it circled the same spot, moving up, down, sideways, and back and forth. Then it stood almost motionless in the air for a few seconds, and darted away.

Seeing the tiny bird brought a spark of hope to my heavy heart. It was a reminder that God hears my prayers and that He is with me in times of sorrow. So I welcomed the joy of that moment, taking delight in watching the little bird and knowing that the Lord delights in and watches over me. It was also a reminder to let God comfort me and to receive the smile that followed.

I must never forget that the sweet nectar of God's love is always available twenty-four/seven. Like the tiny hummingbird, I can linger in God's goodness and grace. I can release my cares to Jesus and bask in the light of His promises. And I can know, without a doubt, that God is with me and will never leave or forsake me.

For more encouragement and breakthrough inspiration by Lynn Zuk-Lloyd, go to www.promisegarden.com