After the Storm
“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by. I cry to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalms 57:1-2).
Relief. Thanks. Sorrow. Concern. Hope. These are among the emotions many of us are feeling after the passing of Hurricane Irma. I missed the wind and the rain of the storm since I happened to have been on vacation when it turned toward Florida. But my heart and mind was with both friends and strangers in its path.
I know we are all relieved that the path of the storm spared us from the worst possibilities. We are thankful that Irma didn’t travel up the east coast where we and the largest populations live. We are also thankful it did not move up the center of the state as a category five storm, maximizing damage to both life and property.
But we are filled with sorrow for those who were subjected to the worst Irma had to offer, particularly those in St. Martin, Barbuda, St. Thomas, the Florida Keys. Many on the west coast also have endured much. Our prayers are with them. We will soon make suggestions about how we can offer help. Contributions to Week of Compassion are one positive and immediate way to reach out and actively express concern.
As we remove downed branches and clean up debris we look forward to getting back to life as normal. The times of uncertainty and chaos remind us that there is much we cannot control. We sometimes forget that safety and security in this world is never guaranteed. Nevertheless, because we trust the God who raised Jesus from the dead, we have hope regardless of the difficulties we face.
Years ago in their song “After the Storm” Crosby, Stills and Nash sang,
After the rain washes down
After all the fog burns away
Will I see the sun coming ’round
Closer and closer each day?
As a people of faith we answer with a resounding, “Yes!” We believe that every storm will pass and that God shines down, giving us hope that transcends setbacks and tragedy. “And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5).
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Craig