Flood Waters

The following devotion was originally written during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey (2019). Today, as we survey another literal hurricane, as well as the hurricane of events flooding our world and perhaps those in our sphere, I am compelled to bring His Word of hope and encouragement. While words alone do not change the reality of trials, the Living Word of God will enable us to walk through them, as C.S. Lewis has said, “Not without pain, but without stain.” May you find His strength infused into your soul this day.

He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.

Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed.

Isaiah 40:29 NASB and Psalm 57:1 AMPC

Devastating. Horrific. Apocalyptic. These are just a few words being used to describe the recent flooding in the state of Texas. My heart aches… my heart breaks, as I watch those nearly numb as they survey what once was their home, their town, their life. And the thought occurred to me, where do the hurting stop for a moment and sit down long enough for a cup of coffee and a chance to contemplate the staggering loss? Where do they find a literal dry place without the stench of mold and the ache of what their eyes see? And even deeper, on what emotional and spiritual “dry spot” do the devastated land to absorb the staggering reality of their loss? Where does their soul find refuge?

Though I have never endured such a trial as the men and women in Texas or Louisiana or Tennessee, in my lifetime I have suffered the loss of two of my children and sustained the loss of nearly all my belongings. It’s because of that reality, that while I promise to avoid trite religious phrases, I extend my words as a “dry spot” of His comfort to those hurting and nearly devastated by circumstances of life. Maybe yours isn’t a physical flood but a flood of challenges and dashed expectations that have left you feeling just as overwhelmed and dare I say, hopeless. I boldly proclaim to you His great mercy, compassion and faithfulness. He is The Rock of Ages, the Mighty God, the King who sits over the flood. Though He allows great difficulty, He has not abandoned you. O dear one, bury your head in His chest and cry tears of pain or anger or simple weariness.

I can’t tell you the why of it all and I am so sorry you are enduring such trial and tragedy. But this I know, He is with you, He has not forsaken you. Call out to Him. He is listening. Allow Him to be your mighty Rock of Refuge until these calamities have passed by.

“Real satisfaction comes not in understanding God’s motives, but in understanding His character, in trusting in His promises, and in leaning on Him and resting in Him as the Sovereign who knows what He is doing and does all things well.”

Joni Eareckson Tada

My Father and my God, I am so thankful that You decipher our tears and heart cries because there are times when the only prayer I can utter is “Help!” Though I do not understand the why, I choose to rest and trust in You until the flood waters of life recede. Be our dry spot Oh Lord… In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen

 Written by Becky White for Jesus