Last week we all had to endure a day of very high winds. Now, I have to admit, I can tolerate heavy downpours of rain, blizzards, sleet, hail, etc. However, strong winds make me very uneasy. I had the “pleasure” a couple of years ago to witness a tree being blown over onto my back fence wiping out a good portion of it. Not only that, but spears of branches were impaled into the ground just as if Zeus himself had thrown them to earth. I do not like the sound of it as I experienced 2 tropical storms while on vacation in South Carolina many years ago. The sound was very unsettling, and I did not like it at all. Following is something that I found that is all about a more religious and spiritual outlook on severe weather situations. I particularly liked the line “True peace is not the absence of a storm, but the presence of Jesus in the midst of it.” I must try to look upon turbulent weather as a sign from God that He will protect me and mine and He will lead me through the storm whether literal of metaphorically.
A very windy day often serves as a powerful metaphor for the storms and challenges in life, prompting reflections on faith, God’s sovereignty, and inner peace. The wind, unseen yet powerful, is frequently used as a symbol for the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.
Here are some religious reflections inspired by a very windy day:
God’s Presence in the Chaos
The wind reminds us that even when life feels turbulent and out of control, a higher power is present and in ultimate control.
- Jesus Calms the Storm: The biblical story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27) is a central reflection. The disciples panicked, but Jesus, who was asleep in the boat, awoke and commanded the wind and waves to be still, demonstrating His authority over all of creation. This story reassures believers that Jesus is in the “boat” with them during life’s storms and has the power to bring calm.
- A Call to Trust, Not Fear: The wind and waves can induce fear and anxiety, but the spiritual lesson is to focus on God’s presence rather than the size of the problem. The question Jesus asks the disciples, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” is a reminder to replace fear with trust in His protection and plan.
- Strength Through Adversity: Just as a tree strengthens its roots to withstand strong gusts, life’s trials can strengthen our faith and force us to rely on God’s strength rather than our own.
The Wind as a Metaphor for the Holy Spirit
In Christian tradition, the very word for spirit in Hebrew (ruach) and Greek (pneuma) also means “wind” or “breath”.
- The Unseen Force: The wind is invisible, but its effects are clearly seen and felt. This is compared to the Holy Spirit, whose work in our lives may be mysterious but brings about real change and empowerment.
- Stirring and Renewal: The wind can sweep away what is stagnant, purify the atmosphere, and bring renewal, mirroring the Spirit’s role in spiritual transformation and revival.
- Divine Guidance: A very windy day can be seen as God’s breath (or “Spirit-Wind”) actively moving things, prompting us to align with His will and purpose.
Cultivating Inner Peace
The external turbulence serves as a prompt to seek internal stillness and peace.
- Peace in the Presence: True peace is not the absence of a storm, but the presence of Jesus in the midst of it.
- The Anchor for the Soul: In times of overwhelming “wind” (worries, anxieties), prayer and focus on God’s promises can anchor the soul and provide a “peace that surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
Ultimately, a windy day invites a moment of reflection on the power of the Creator and the invitation to trust in His unwavering presence and strength, no matter how fiercely the winds may blow.
For your listening pleasure here is Josh Grobin singing You’ll Never Walk Alone from the musical Carousel.
https://youtu.be/G1WpGqEOCOg?si=YgDsRNJWUdzvYrf9 You’ll Never Walk Alone – Josh Grobin
Worship Calendar
Jan. 18 What Do You Want? John 1: 29 – 42 Rev. Eric Lee
Jan. 25 Called to Follow, Sent to Advocate Matthew 4:12-23 Rev. Eric Lee
Feb. 1 Blessed is the Upside-Down Kingdom Micah 6:1-8 & Rev. Eric Lee
Matthew 5:1-12
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christmas Angels Program for Food Basket Families
Thanks to the generosity of our church members, we were able to raise over $1200 for our Christmas Angels Program. A donation in the amount of $1225 was sent to the St James Food Basket and helped to provide frozen chicken and salmon for their client families. Outreach would like to thank all those who were able to contribute to this drive and helped bring a bit of food security to those in need.
It is that time of year again when we are looking for volunteers to serve coffee and tea after worship. The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Adamson Lounge.
Jan. 18 – Susan & Nancy
Jan. 25 – Mission Team
Feb. 1 – ????
Feb. 8 – ????
Feb. 15 – ????
Feb. 22 – ????
Thank you to all of you who have given so willingly of your time and efforts. We appreciate you!!
UPCOMING EVENTS
* Tuesdays @ 11:00 AM – Walking Group – All are welcome
* Thursdays @ 2:00 PM – Worship service at Centennial Park Place
* Thursday, Jan. 15 @ 9:30 AM – Sing! Etobicoke @ NPCC
* Sunday, Jan. 18 @ 11:45 AM – Bell Ringers rehearsal
* Tuesday, Jan. 20 @ 6:30 PM – Session
* Monday, Jan 26 @ 6:30 PM – Mission Team meeting (Zoom)
* Friday, Jan. 30 @ 2:00 PM – Music & Worship
* Sunday, Mar. 8 @ 11:30 AM – Annual General Meeting
Prayer/Reader/Announcements for 2026
Prayer Roster Lay Readers Welcome and Announcements
Jan. 18 Susan Chopp Chris Parr Kathy Twynam
Jan. 25 / Pastor Eric / Susan Chopp /. Nancy McPherson
Feb. 1 / Koko Ikele / Chuka Ikele / Susan Chopp
Feb. 8 / Kathy Twynam / Jean Fox / Bob Twynam
Feb. 15 / Margaret Munene / Maureen Screen / Kathy Twynam
Feb. 22 / Rachael Chen / Margaret Munene / Nancy McPherson