The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:10-11
Most glorious and gracious Father, it’s not just media footage from a faraway place. It’s my neighborhood, my friends, my family and it’s right now. The floodwaters have already forced evacuations, damaged many homes and there’s much more rain coming.
Before the sun rises, veiled by threatening storm clouds, I lift my gaze and heart to you. I come… I run to the one who sits enthroned over the flood… the eternal King, who does all things well. I come praying for our situation, but also for people and places where similar stories of hard providences are being written today.
Father, I don’t ask, “Why this crisis?… Why us?”, for I know the rain falls on the righteous and the unrighteous, even as the sun rises on the evil and the good (Matthew 5:45). And I know the present world will never be destroyed again by floodwaters. But there are two things I do ask for… two things you have promised—strength and peace.
Grant us all the strength we will need today to serve one another in love. As the floodwaters continue to rise, many more people will be despairing, displaced and disheartened. Strengthen our backs and arms for what lies ahead. This is a time for neighbor-love… not just looking out for ourselves and our own stuff. Grant us the power of the Holy Spirit and extra energy for neighbor-love.
And grant us all the peace we will need today to act wisely… trust boldly… and love deeply. There will probably be some fear and panic we will need to negotiate and navigate. Help us care for those most vulnerable and anxious. May your peace rule as an umpire in our hearts… centering us, focusing us and leading us to make good choices for one and all.
Lastly, Father, how can I NOT praise you for the gospel today—the rock… the ultimate trustworthy foundation for any and every storm of life (Matthew 7:24-27). Thank you for rescuing us building our lives on all kinds of shifting sands. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ strong and peace-giving name.