Psalm 139:23 – Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. (NIV)

My granddaughter was riding in the parade at the Honey Bee Festival. I had driven 40 miles to see her. On my arrival, the darkening skies forecast a thunderstorm. I made the decision to watch the parade, even as I kept one eye on the black and angry sky. The children, not as aware of the weather as I, were having fun waving at the people and laughing, as gusts of wind blew their hair, and early drops of rain hit their faces. As for me, the approaching storm made me a nervous wreck. The storm withheld its fury until the parade was over, and then emptied its contents on the fast-emptying streets. The children had enjoyed their "moment of glory", and I had survived my anxieties.

Fear of rain on our parades captures our feelings in many circumstances in our lives. If we pretend that there are no storms, we are in denial, and we fail to meet their challenges. However, if we dwell on the storms, we miss the joys of life.

Matthew 14:29-31 – Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (NIV)

When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. So do we, when we take our eyes off Jesus, and harbour anxious thoughts in our hearts. It may rain on our parade, but Jesus will be there for us.

Prayer: Lord, show us how to celebrate life, even when it threatens to rain on our parade. Be with us as we face the dark clouds over our heads. Help us to see beyond the storm to the protection You offer. Amen.

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