Nature serves as a school of affliction as well as a school of desire. It disrupts the ego, redirects misplaced longings, and teaches radical trust.36 The earth’s fury, as well as its beauty, drives the church to prayer. In fact, says Calvin, the performance of praise in the church (and throughout the theater of God’s glory) is itself a contributor to God’s providential care. The longing of the faithful shares in (and supports, as it were) God’s own longing for a restored creation.
