The lightnings flash, and tempest all around,
But Jesus walks the sea and calms the angry waves,
And the storm is passing over, Hallelujah!
The Storm is Passing Over, Charles A. Tindley
Last night, a dear friend of mine sent me a text, telling me that she was thinking of my son who died in infancy and expressing her desire to meet him some day in the afterlife. It touched my heart to think that she stopped to think of him in the midst of her busy life.
I was prompted to think of another dear friend who sat by me during my son's funeral. She never left my side. After the service, she sang the above song. The words have been on my mind today.
The storm is passing over...
The storm is passing over...
Hallelujah!
At the funeral, she only sang the chorus, so today I looked up the rest of the words to gain some context as I asked myself what it meant.
It is not a celebration of the fight being over. It's not the praise for immediate relief. It's the long hard trudge through the pounding rain and the sleet and the mud. The storm is raging overhead. But it's passing. It's moving. One day, it will be beyond us. One day, it will be over. It's the celebration of that "one day."
photo credit weather.com
Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints says,
"Over the years, I have had the sacred opportunity to meet with many people whose sorrows seem to reach the very depths of their soul. In these moments, I have listened to my beloved brothers and sisters and grieved with them over their burdens. I have pondered what to say to them, and I have struggled to know how to comfort and support them in their trials.
"Often their grief is caused by what seems to them as an ending. Some are facing the end of a cherished relationship, such as the death of a loved one or estrangement from a family member. Others feel they are facing the end of hope—the hope of being married or bearing children or overcoming an illness. Others may be facing the end of their faith, as confusing and conflicting voices in the world tempt them to question, even abandon, what they once knew to be true."
He goes on to describe his proposed solution.
"Everyone’s situation is different, and the details of each life are unique. Nevertheless, I have learned that there is something that would take away the bitterness that may come into our lives. There is one thing we can do to make life sweeter, more joyful, even glorious.
"We can be grateful!
"It might sound contrary to the wisdom of the world to suggest that one who is burdened with sorrow should give thanks to God. But those who set aside the bottle of bitterness and lift instead the goblet of gratitude can find a purifying drink of healing, peace, and understanding."
It is a hard sermon to hear in height of the storm. I have incredible admiration and respect for the people who so humbly and so selflessly can be grateful in all circumstances.
Final Thought
"Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation? In other words, I’m suggesting that instead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
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