Casandra Martin

We had a terrible thunderstorm this week. Rain fell in sheets, thunder boomed and rattled the earth, and lightning lit up the sky. It was awesome, a little scary, and left the echoes of God’s words to Job ringing in my ears. “Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain and a way for the thunderbolt…?” (Job 38:25)

Thunderstorms are noisy. There is obviously the thunder, the crack of the lightning, and the pounding rain. The thunder was so intense it set off car alarms. The wind blew through the trees. As we listened to the howling storm outside, my husband noticed a new sound. He told me to be quiet and listen to the sounds below the storm. That’s when I heard it – the frogs were singing in the rain. I smiled. Even here, even now, His creation was praising Him.

Today the sun is shining, but I have not forgotten the lesson of the frogs. It is easier to praise God when the sky is blue, the rainbow is visible, and the way is bright. It is harder in the storm. When the sky is dark, the wind is screaming in my ear, and everything I know feels under attack, praise is often the last thing on my mind. Fear often stomps on my faith. Worry trumps worship, while doubt drowns out delight. The frogs reminded me of the importance of singing through the storm. When the storm hits, God is still sovereign. He is still in control even though I feel completely spun out of control. He still loves me even though storms make me feel isolated and alone. He is still watching over me, making a way for me, even when I can’t see the next step. Singing changes the sound of the storm.

My Jesus Resolution today is to sing in the rain. Choosing to sing in the rain means I make the deliberate decision to praise God even when things are dark and tough. Praise doesn’t necessarily change the fury of the storm, but it does change my focus on the storm. It tells my fear, doubt, and worry that God is bigger than the storm scaring my heart. The frogs taught me that I don’t have to sing louder than the storm – just sing. A quiet whisper of praise will be heard by those who choose to listen.