How to Draw Near to God During Thunderstorms

1. Displays God’s Glory

Thunderstorms display God’s glory with their might and power. While thunderstorms may be scary for some people, God is in control of them. The Bible tells us, “Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked” (Psalm 77:18).

The thunder, rain, and lightning within thunderstorms attest to God’s wonderful design for nature. In fact, thunderstorms have a great purpose.

According to NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, “Thunderstorms help transfer the negative charges back to earth (lightning is generally negatively charged). Without thunderstorms and lightning, the earth-atmosphere electrical balance would disappear in five minutes!”

Without thunderstorms, the earth would be off-balanced. Thunderstorms were created by God to help transfer the negative charges back to earth and keep the earth’s electrical balance in check.

2. The Rain

Rain brings cooling during warm summer days, and it also provides fruits, vegetables, and flowers with hydration. Without rain, we would not have crops and produce.

Rain can also bring calmness and relaxation during a busy, hectic day. Even walking in the rain can bring calmness and serenity. I know I tend to take walks more in the rain than I do when it is sunny. It is quite nice to splash in the puddles and look up at the dark, roaring clouds.

In addition to the serenity that rain can provide, rain is important just like thunderstorms. Rain is an important part of the water cycle and enables rivers, streams, and lakes to be filled with water.

Without water, plants would not grow, and we would not have enough water to drink and stay alive. Rain doesn’t always come with thunderstorms; however, most often, rain does provide cooling to the environment during and after the thunderstorm.

3. Calming

The sound of a thunderstorm and the rain hitting the roof are a few things that can effectively calm my anxiety. There is something peaceful about watching a thunderstorm and seeing the lightning light up the sky.

A thunderstorm is a great time to think about God, talk with Him, or read the Bible. It is not safe to be outside during a thunderstorm, but it is still nice to look outside through a window and see the beautiful strikes of lightning.

In this fast-paced day and age, it is important we take time to remove ourselves from the cyber world and enjoy God's beautiful creation, such as the amazing thunderstorms.

The cloudy skies, the rain falling, and the awe-inspiring lightning is sure to calm even the most anxious souls. The next time you have a thunderstorm, try to do something you enjoy, such as painting, drawing, or reading — just make sure it is calming and stress-free.

4. Brings Back Memories

Thunderstorms are also to be loved because they can bring back memories. As I said earlier in this article, I used to be terrified of thunderstorms, but now I love them. The fond memories I have of thunderstorms are the summer thunderstorms that used to occur almost every day where I live.

Around five o’clock every day, you could be assured there would be a thunderstorm. My sister and I used to go outside with our dog about an hour before the thunderstorm would come and we could feel the air changing and the storm brewing.

There is nothing as invigorating as feeling a thunderstorm brew up in the sky. My sister and our dog were not as fond of thunderstorms as I am, so my sister used to always say we needed to get inside for safety, but I would procrastinate until we would hear thunder.

Once we heard thunder, we knew our mom would come out to get us and we would be in big trouble if we weren’t inside, so I would go inside behind my sister and our dog, but I would still look out the window and listen to the glorious thunderstorm occurring right outside our home in the city.

Maybe thunderstorms bring back memories for you too? For some people, thunderstorms can bring back bad memories but don’t dwell on bad memories.

Try to meditate on the memories that bring a smile to your face. Every time we see a thunderstorm, it can bring happiness and joy from memories back into our souls.

5. The Return of the Sun

Thunderstorms normally last an average of about 30 minutes before they move away from a given area.

Even though the storm doesn’t normally last longer than 30 minutes, for individuals who do not like the darkness of the storm, it can feel like an eternity.

There is great happiness erupting into individuals’ hearts when the thunderstorm is over, and the sunlight once again breaks open through the dark clouds and shines once again on our faces.

I am aware many people do not enjoy thunderstorms because they can be frightening, cause damage, and take out power, but without the darkness caused by the thunderstorm, we would fail to appreciate the splendor of the sun and the calm skies once the storm is over.

Since rain normally accompanies thunderstorms, there can even be a rainbow after a thunderstorm, which can remind us of God’s faithfulness (Genesis 9:13-15).

Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are a common fear of people throughout the world just like they used to be in my life, but God does not want us to live a life of fear — He wants us to live a life of freedom.

If thunderstorms are a fear of yours, try to open up to the idea that thunderstorms are good things and can remind you of God’s wonderful glory and power.

By overcoming my fear of thunderstorms, I actually grew to love them and now I get excited anytime I hear about a thunderstorm in our area while the rest of my family frets.

By tackling your fears, you might even discover you love what you feared most. By conquering my fear of thunderstorms, I was finally able to really enjoy them, and I even once cartwheeled in a thunderstorm just to prove to myself there was nothing to be afraid of.

Life is kind of like cartwheeling through thunderstorms because even through the tough times of life, we can still “cartwheel” through them with joy because of Jesus. What are your fears? Are they thunderstorms, the dark, or something else?

Whatever is your fear, I challenge you to try to overcome it with the help of God. Try to search out the beauty, wonder, and majesty of your fear and find something about it you can relate to.

In this way, you will be able to not be as afraid of your fear anymore and you too will be able to cartwheel through thunderstorms. 

For further reading:

Does Jesus Calm Our Storms in Life?

How You Can Be Content Even in the Storms

What Is the Significance of Jesus Calming the Storm?

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/driftlessstudio

Vivian Bricker loves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master's degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.

This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit Christianity.com.