Article March 23, 2020 Issue

Weather is not my god

Andrea Ward

It has become so commonplace in social situations to talk about the weather. The subject is often used as an ice breaker in conversations. I have also seen discussions quickly turn to the weather as a way to change the topic when someone feels uncomfortable or doesn’t know what to say.

Thoughts about weather can be subtle mental whispers, such as “I’m too hot” (or too cold). Or thoughts about weather can become loud “voices” in the physical form of floods, hurricanes, or tornados. Our thoughts about weather can sharply affect our experiences. Are we letting weather dictate what we say, what we do, or even how we feel? I’ve found it important to ask myself, “Have I let weather become a personal god?” 

In the Bible we learn about Elijah’s experience when “the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice” (I Kings 19:11, 12). I have come to understand that listening for God’s “still small voice”—thoughts from God—silences any voice that may be screaming about the weather and the suffering it may cause.

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