Olney Hymns · Chapter
Summer Storms explained
The poem uses the metaphor of a fair summer morning turning into a sudden storm to describe the Christian's experience of initial joy and peace, followed by trials, temptations, and spiritual darkness.
What happens
The poem uses the metaphor of a fair summer morning turning into a sudden storm to describe the Christian's experience of initial joy and peace, followed by trials, temptations, and spiritual darkness. It acknowledges that even the most hopeful beginnings can be overtaken by sin and Satan's attacks, but affirms that the Lord can soothe the tempest and restore joy. The poem concludes with a longing for the eternal, cloudless day of heaven where no storms will arise and believers will praise God forever.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Affliction
The poem describes the sudden storms of temptation and trouble that afflict believers, causing fear, trembling, and loss of hope.
Spiritual Warfare
Sin and Satan are portrayed as active enemies that attack the believer's peace and joy, requiring divine intervention.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The poem looks forward to the 'high eternal noon' where no tempests rise and believers praise God forever.
Characters to notice
- The Child of Grace
The believer who begins the Christian race with joy and hope, only to face unexpected storms of temptation and doubt.
- Jesus Christ
The 'wonder-working Lord' who soothes the tempest and is the object of the believer's longing for eternal noon.
- Satan
The adversary who, along with sin, brings comfort and joy to flight, and who will no longer deceive in heaven.
- The Holy Spirit
The Spirit whom believers grieve when they fall into sin, but who is no longer grieved in the eternal state.
- The Saints
Tried believers who testify to the sudden storms that destroy peace and joy even in a single day.
Key passages
“Though the morn may be serene— Not a threat’ning cloud be seen, Who can undertake to say ’Twill be pleasant all the day?”
Even if the morning starts clear and calm, no one can guarantee that the whole day will remain pleasant.
The opening stanza establishes the theme of unexpected change and the uncertainty of outward circumstances.
“Often thus the child of grace Enters on his Christian race; Guilt and fear are overborne, ’Tis with him a summer’s morn:”
Frequently, a new believer begins the Christian life with joy and freedom from guilt and fear, like a bright summer morning.
Describes the initial joy of conversion and the sense of spiritual well-being.
“But the wonder-working Lord Soothes the tempest by his word; Stills the thunder, stops the rain, And his sun breaks forth again:”
The Lord, who works wonders, calms the storm with his command, stops the rain, and brings back the sunshine.
Highlights God's power to bring peace and restoration after trials.
“Dearest Saviour, call us soon To thy high eternal noon; Never there shall tempest rise, To conceal thee from our eyes:”
Beloved Savior, call us quickly to your eternal heavenly noon, where no storm will ever hide you from our sight.
Expresses the longing for heaven and the end of all trials.