Listen to today’s devo!

Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting . . . (Rev. 19:6)

Oklahoma is known for its capricious weather. Wild, sudden changes are commonplace. When warm gulf air meets cold Rocky Mountain air, sometimes it feels and sounds as if the atmosphere is at war with itself. Those of us who have grown up in “tornado alley,” however, know the difference between the clamorous, cleansing, and often-needed rain of a thunderstorm and the ominous, quiet-but-powerful rushing breeze that precedes a tornado. But before either storm, the atmosphere moves. The air changes. The light changes. People feel and then experience the power and presence of the storm.

John beautifully recounted the power and presence of Christ that prompts unabashed, enthusiastic songs of praise. John identified the atmospheric change that transformed the multitude, as the great host of heaven prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb. The bride had made herself ready, and there was much joy and celebration—marked by songs of deafening praise.

The presence of God is cause for roars of celebratory song. While there is a call for quiet and contemplative prayer, and while it can be just as powerful—like the proverbial calm before the storm—there is also something to be said for unabashedly praising Jesus. Both announce and celebrate the presence of Christ. We need not wait for the marriage supper of the Lamb to roar our praises to him.

Offer Christ thundering praise today.

Dalene (Rovenstine) Fisher is a wife, mother, and grandma. She is an associate professor of English, dean, and assistant provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.