Flood Waters

The voice of the Lord thunders through the lightning. It resounds through the deserts and shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord spins and topples the mighty oaks. It strips the forests bare. They whirl and sway beneath the blast. But in his temple all are praising, "Glory, glory to the Lord."

At the Flood, the Lord showed his control of all creation. Now he continues to unveil his power. He will give his people strength. He will bless them with peace. Psalms 29:7-11 (TLB)

Ree Pashley lives in Arusha, Tanzania. When her son was in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) his health and his ability to breathe independently were out of her control. But so, it seemed, was everything else. Her father-in-law was ill; her car wouldn't start; and they had plumbing issues at home. As much as Ree tried not to worry, she didn't feel hopeful about anything.

Then one morning, Ree read Psalm 29, and verses 10 and 11 resonated with her. The previous verses mention majestic forests, mountains, and great trees. They speak to God's power in a way that commands a response of awe. But verse 10 points to flood waters. That's more what Ree's life felt like. Yet David days that God rules over the flood - over the hard, ugly aspects of our lives. Even though Ree felt overwhelmed, God was not.

In her own, Ree couldn't think positively any more than she could will her child's lungs to fill with air. In recognizing God's power in every aspect of life, Ree could ask God's blessing of peace. She didn't have to have a positive outlook; Ree could acknowledge that life felt difficult. Instead of trying by her own means to be hopeful, she asked God to give her strength and peace, knowing that God rules even in the flood.

Prayer: Dear God, we know that you are in control, even in difficult circumstances. Bless us with your strength and your peace, in Jesus' name. Amen.