Arriving in California this week to the thick, smoky gray air smelling of forest fires is disheartening. It’s been one fire after another with people losing homes, towns and most importantly lives. Keep praying. The latest I heard was over 7,000 homes were lost.
There are so many displaced in what should be a season of warmth and home. There is also a drought in Ca which is making for less moisture in the air, which triggers the fires. It can feel overwhelming.
Then I’m reminded how in North Carolina we faced our own recent disasters, with back to back hurricanes. The news of one disaster after another can feel overwhelming. Where is God in the midst of it all Psalm 46 reassures is.
Our Refuge
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
No matter how terrible something might look we must not fear. He assures us that He is our ever-present help in the sudden & uncontrollable.
The Lord Almighty is with us; He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
As believers we must act differently. We have a different hope. We have different help. Unshakable peace should rule our emotions. We should still have compassion and empathy for those in need but our foundation should not be moved.
Let’s pray
“Lord, you are God of every storm. We pray that you will comfort, protect and bring peace to those affected by the fires. Help us to lay every fear at your feet and be still in the midst of the unknown. Amen.”
Good word. Yes Lord……help us to keep our focus steadfast on Your promises.