“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
Lord Jesus, Idalia’s wind, rain, and flooding threaten the land and lives of many in Florida—close friends of ours, places ravaged before, the elderly and children. We’d despair if King David’s words weren’t true. Indeed, King Jesus, you sit “enthroned over the flood.” We don’t understand the mystery of your sovereignty, but we do affirm that your providence—not happenstance, circumstance, or accidents—get the first, middle, and last word.
You may not give us answers, but you do give us two things King David celebrates in this Psalm—strength and peace. Grant strength (especially to first-responders) for serving one another in love. Strengthen hearts, backs, and arms for what lies ahead. This is a time for neighbor love, not self-preoccupation.
Grant peace for acting wisely, trusting boldly, and loving deeply. We pray for those most vulnerable and least resourced. It hurts to lose a vacation home—it hurts more to lose the only shelter, bed, and clothing one owns.
Lastly, Jesus, we are grateful for the Gospel—the ultimate provision for any and every storm of life (Matthew 7:24-27). You are the only Rock higher than any flood-water. We have peace with God because you won it for us—by your life, death, and resurrection. Hallelujah!
And now your peace can rule in our hearts (Col.3:15), Jesus, long before the Day of no more storms. May your peace settle us, center us, and free us to love others as you love us. May the Gospel become beautiful and believable to many, as we, your people, love well in the coming days. So Very Amen.