Hurricane Harvey hits Houston.
Historic. Heartbreaking.
Unprecedented. Unrelenting. Unbelievable.
Epic. Catastrophic. Beyond imaginable. A nightmare.
Words can hardly describe this unparalleled event–what people have experienced.
Flooded streets. Impassable roads. Stranded men, women, and children. Animals seeking dry shelter.
Over 1,700 miles away, there is little I can do. Except pray. On my knees. In my chair. Standing at the kitchen sink.
I pray.
For God’s mercy. For safety. For peace.
Praising God for His omnipresence. Yes, He is there. I pray they feel His presence and the peace that transcends all understanding.
Almost everyone in Houston and the surrounding area were affected in one way or another by Harvey, wreaking havoc for days after initial landfall. Some were high and dry, but couldn’t get out of their community. Some were without electricity. Others were trying to help neighbors, friends, and family members get to a safe place.
Most of my family and many, many dear friends live in the Houston area. One friend’s brother has been in the hospital for several weeks and a family member visited him daily … until Harvey hit. Fortunately, within three days my friend was able to get to the hospital and spend time with her brother. When she arrived, hospital workers had been there for days with little or no relief.
Another friend was isolated on the island of Clear Lake Shores more than three days. Two roads give access to the island and both were impassable. No one was getting on or off the island.
Other friends posted pictures on social media of flooded yards, water up to their threshold just inches from entering their home. They were thankful it stopped there.
Images on the television showed rescuers in small boats as well as people being carried through the waters by first responders and local citizens lending a helping hand. Helicopters lifted baskets of people from their rooftops.
The tops of cars, even SUVs, emerged from receding waters at underpasses and television crews sought safe places to get footage and report the catastrophic flooding.
More rain was in the forecast.
Where do you find peace in the midst of all that?
From the comfort of my dry living room, I cannot fully comprehend the fear and emotions of the people. I just know, from my own experience, there is only one way to find peace in chaos. The peace I know comes from my Creator, my God. When I am afraid, I go to God.
Even King David turned to God when he was fearful. He knew where to go for help. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3 NIV)
God responds to us in His faithfulness. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV) He longs for us to come to Him.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Those words are comforting to me. As I pray for my friends and family, I pray they too will receive the peace that God offers. When we turn to Him, present our needs to Him, he provides.
Once God’s peace engulfs me, it’s up to me to hold on. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15 NIV) I remember the things for which I am thankful and my peace, in Christ Jesus, is multiplied.
God draws us to a relationship with Him, offering His peace, strength, and blessings. “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11) Even in the storm, in the flood, in the chaos, God provides strength and peace.
Hold on to His peace!
I lift up all those affected by Harvey and pray for their peace … peace that transcends all understanding! God bless you.
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