Of Fireworks and Thunderstorms

Yesterday was the 4^th of July, and traditionally, people like to watch a fireworks display on this holiday.  I love fireworks!  Everyone “oohs” and “aahs” over the colorful demonstration.  However, many events in our area were cancelled or postponed last night due to thunderstorms, some of them quite severe.

Dave had to work last night, so I was home.  I probably could have made arrangements to go see some fireworks with some friends, but I was tired from a busy weekend, and chose just to chillax at home.  That was probably just as well – I’m not sure if the local fireworks happened or not.  We had several thunderstorms come through last night, and from inside my house it was difficult to tell if the noise was coming from the heavens or from someone’s backyard.  It didn’t matter where the noise originated to my cats; they jumped at every sound – and all three wanted to be right on top of me, or under the bed.  Nothing I did could calm them down – not even draining the tuna fish juice into their bowls. 

So many times, I act like one of my cats.  I react to circumstances with fear.  I remain jumpy despite friends or family who try to calm me down.  I am not comforted by even those things that otherwise would bring me the greatest joy.  And in my past, I ate my way through the fear.  I can laugh at my cats – but it isn’t so funny when I’m the one afraid. 

Fear is something addressed in the Bible from the beginning to the end:

“But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’  He answered, ‘I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.’”  (Genesis 3:9-10, NIV)

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.  I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.  Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”  (Revelation 2:10, NIV)

Fear is part of the human condition.  But praise God!  We have been delivered from fear. 

“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, King James Version)  {“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7, NIV}