Monday, July 30, 2012

When the Storms Come Crashing In

Psalm 57
The summer after my freshman year in college was event, in part because of the hurricane that came crashing toward our home in south Texas. We lived about 60 or 75 miles inland, which is no considerable distance when you consider the fearsome power of a hurricane, and we watched and we waited to see what the storm would do, how it would affect us. I’ll never forget the sense of loneliness we experienced as the television station we were watching got knocked off the air, leaving us with no eyes to the outside world, leaving us to listen to the howling sounds of wind and rain in relative isolation. The storm eventually passed leaving us with no serious damage, but obviously it is something I still remember vividly.

Based on his words, the psalmist must have had a similar experience. “In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by” (Psalm 57:1b). Of course the storms that the psalmist refers to may not have been weather related. Life presents us with all sorts of storms: home and family can be disturbed by stormy relationships, our jobs sometimes are beset with clouds that can obscure our paths, the sudden rumbling of tragedy can interfere with our day to day lives, and illness or disease can crash on us like bolts of lightening.

The psalmist found comfort in the shadow of God’s wings, and waited attentively for God to respond, because as the psalmist knew there is no storm, literal or figurative, that falls outside the divine power to comfort or protect. Wherever the storms rage, God is there. Whenever we fell overcome or helpless, God is there as well. Events may not turn out the way we would wish, but we know beyond a doubt that God will be gracious and God’s purpose will be accomplished. That is why the psalmist can also say, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth” (v. 11).

Prayer: Lord, we praise you this day for your care and protection when the storms of our lives overwhelm us. Amen.

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