The Sound of Thunder

Good morning. I love to listen to the thunder rumble above me and watch the clouds roll across the sky. Hopefully there will be rain to follow. It is one of those kind of mornings. The full moon hangs in the southwest, peeking between the clouds. They passed over us quickly today, leaving just enough rain to dampen the streets. 

""Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes! Is it not wheat harvest now? I will call upon the Lord to send thunder and rain. And you will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the Lord when you asked for a king." Then Samuel called upon the Lord, and that same day the Lord sent thunder and rain. So all the people stood in awe of the Lord and of Samuel," (1 Samuel 12:16-18 NIV).

Israel demanded a king. They already had God to rule over all things, but they wanted a human king, against Samuel's advice. Saul became Israel's first king. The Israelites wheat harvest was typically in May or June, the end of the dry season. Rain rarely fell during this time so when a thunderstorm occurred it was a miraculous event. However, it was not welcome because a rain storm could damage the crops. "This unusual occurrence showed God's displeasure with Israel's demand for a king," (NIV Life Application study notes).

I wonder how often God is displeased with my prayerful requests. If I am asking for something specific I usually conclude with "Your will be done, not mine." I know He has a plan for all things and all people, but I still often ask for blessings.

Lord God Almighty, You who control the clouds and the rain, thank You for the many ways You bless our lives. Although we don't understand why some storms cause destruction around us, we trust You to bring good out of every situation. Thank You for the beauty in the clouds, and for hearing us when we pray. We praise You, our King, and we stand in awe of Your majesty and the gift of Your Son for our salvation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.