2 Samuel 23:4 – He is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth. (NIV)

Habakkuk 3:4 – His splendor was like the sunrise, rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. (NIV)

My husband and I had reservations at a campground in northern Georgia, highly recommended, but unseen by us. As we approached the mountains, rains began to fall.

Soon we were in a thunderstorm. Campgrounds can be unfriendly in the rain, especially if the lodging for the night is a "pop-up camper" that must be set up in the rain.

We were completely drenched when the camper was finally stabilized. We changed into dry clothes, but even the bed linens felt damp. Despite our misery, we went to sleep immediately, as the rhythm of the rain beat on the canvas above our heads.

Next morning, I awoke early to brew coffee. I will never forget the startling beauty of that moment. The mountains, freshly bathed from the night before, glittered with rays of golden sunshine streaming down on the lush, green valley. We were camped beside a crystal lake, which reflected the entire breath-taking scene.

Erased were the doubts and fears I'd had during the wet and soggy arrival the evening before. My whole outlook changed as I drank in the beauty.

Our outlook does not always change this dramatically, but God can change our thoughts from thunderstorms into glimpses of His presence. At these moments, we see and know Him best.

Prayer: Lord, were it not for the thunderstorms and rainy nights of the soul, we would never be able to appreciate the beauty of Your sunrises. Amen.

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