Monsoon Moments

Every summer in Phoenix, we find ourselves longing for the monsoon. After weeks of unrelenting heat and blazing skies, the first signs of clouds on the horizon feel like a gift. The monsoon season brings with it the relief of shade, the smell of rain on desert soil, and the reminder that even here—where the sun seems to reign without mercy—God waters the earth in His time.

Last week, one of those dramatic dust storms swept through the Valley. You’ve probably seen the videos—huge walls of dust swallowing the city whole. I caught a clip on the news of the haboob rolling over Sky Harbor Airport. Even though it darkens the sky and sends dust flying, I couldn’t help but be in awe. It’s as if creation itself puts on a display of power and beauty all at once.

And then, just as quickly as it comes, the storm passes. Often it leaves behind broken palo verde branches scattered across the streets, but it also leaves behind skies you can’t forget—sunsets painted in fiery orange and purple, or in this case, a rainbow stretching in full over my house. I stood outside and just stared, reminded of God’s promise and His artistry.

Scripture says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). That felt especially true in that moment. After the chaos of dust and wind, the quiet beauty of the rainbow felt like God’s whisper—“I am here. I am faithful.”

Monsoon season is like that for me. It’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes even inconvenient. But it’s also a season of refreshment, beauty, and reminders that God is still painting the skies above us.