This picture was taken 6 or 7 years ago while
I was on a trip with my children. There was an
impending storm at the time.
Scripture reference;
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3
You’re driving along under a sky that “had” been blue until those thick gray clouds you noticed earlier, maybe ten miles to the west, finally made their way overhead. You scan the sky wondering.
Then it happens—that first raindrop makes a hurried descent splashing against your windshield. Two seconds pass, and a few of her companions arrive—splat! Then the clouds can contain themselves no longer—your car, the road, the entire landscape—all is at the mercy of a heavy downpour. You reach for that little switch, and feel the satisfaction that comes once those wipers are set in motion. The song on the radio is interrupted as the station makes the announcement that the “National Weather Service” has issued a “Flash Flood Warning” for your area.
Next you pull into the parking lot of your favorite grocery store. What luck! There’s an empty parking space right by the entrance. You rush inside quickly gathering the items on your list, and make your way to the check out.
A few moments later you are once again in your car pulling out of the parking lot, and back onto the street; parts of which are already under an inch or two of water, so you gingerly make your way through town, and finally pull into your own driveway—safe and sound.
Do you live in an area that is prone to flooding? If you do, you already have this memorized. I copied and pasted the following from wikipedia.
<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3
Today I am once again thinking about words, phrases, and expressions. Let’s look at these:
“rain”, “rain drops”, “weather”, and “flood”.
Each of these words have both literal and figurative (or allegorical) meanings. Figuratively speaking, rain can have both positive and negative meanings. Rain can be that precious resource that nourishes and hydrates the earth and all of its inhabitants. Too much rain can bring destruction along with it.
Flooding often has a negative and obvious meaning. However, it can also have a positive meaning. At daybreak the sun floods the earth with life giving light. Sun loving plants literally reach out to the sun. Our minds can become flooded with thoughts, and our hearts flooded with emotions.
Weather can be equated with circumstances. It also can be equated with the prevailing mood or mindset of a group of people, may they be those who dwell in our homes, those we encounter at work, school, or church, or those whose words we read or listen to by using various types of media.
Now I am once again thinking of the scenario at the beginning of this post, but in a figurative way. I believe we can find some spiritual parallels there if we try.
“9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:9-13
Our minds are like that windshield.
Do we truly understand why we must daily go to the Lord in prayer and in the reading of scripture if we are to have our minds renewed? Do we truly understand that a sound mind is a precious gift that only our Heavenly Father can bestow? Do we understand that He delights in bestowing us with this gift, and will withhold neither the Holy Spirit nor the gift of a renewed mind…(or a sound mind) from a single person who asks for them?
The Bible reveals what the Father desires, what each of us needs, and just how those needs are supplied. It will even help us to pray when words seem to fail us. Do you know the Lord’s prayer? Here it is below.
Love and Blessings,
Theresa
“9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 KJV
<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3
Do you have a Bible? If you don’t have one, you need not worry. Just click here:www.biblegateway.com They have many versions and translations of the Bible that you can read. Some of the best things in life are free!
Image credit for cars and rain, pixabay.com
Moore to ponder said,
August 3, 2016 at 5:26 am
Reblogged this on Serenaded Softly and commented:
“…Weather can be equated with circumstances. It also can be equated with the prevailing mood or mindset of a group of people, may they be those who dwell in our homes, those we encounter at work, school, or church, or those whose words we read or listen to by using various types of media…”
Wendy L. Macdonald said,
August 3, 2016 at 4:33 pm
2 Timothy 1:7 is my main go-to verse, Theresa. In fact, I quoted it this morning in an article I’m working on. 🙂 I couldn’t agree with your post more than I already do. Yes, we need Him everyday–every single day–amen. I appreciate your focus on His Word. It never changes, regardless of how much things around us do.
Blessings & hugs ~ Wendy
Moore to ponder said,
August 3, 2016 at 5:54 pm
Thank you, Wendy! So many of my days I find myself not sure what to do. Then I think to myself, “Well, I can spend some time in His word. It’s never wrong to do that.”
Love and Blessings,
Theresa
Wendy L. Macdonald said,
August 3, 2016 at 7:14 pm
I can relate to that, Theresa. Often I stop in the middle of the day for a read-break. God’s word is better than coffee. xo
Cynthia Reyes said,
August 5, 2016 at 2:09 pm
Another very thoughtful post, Theresa. Thank you.
Moore to ponder said,
August 5, 2016 at 5:26 pm
I’m glad you liked it, Cynthia.
Love and Blessings,
Theresa
Debbie said,
August 6, 2016 at 4:33 am
Oh my goodness, Theresa! Dear woman of the word, this is such a blessing and revelation! I am going to be asking each day! Love you and God bless you!
Moore to ponder said,
August 6, 2016 at 11:33 am
Thank you so much, Deb!
Love and Blessings,
Theresa