Held in a Hurricane

My directee emailed me the night before our scheduled meeting and let me know she may not make it to her session the next morning. A powerful hurricane was headed to her neighborhood. I wrote her back, assuring her that if I didn’t see her, I would spend the hour praying for the safety of her and her family.

At 9 am the next day, I sat down with my prayer book in hand, not expecting to see her log on. I greeted the Lord, sang a song of praise, and gasped when I saw the scheduled first Psalm for the morning – Psalm 77 

“I cry aloud to God, cry aloud to God that he may hear me.

In the day of my distress I sought the Lord….

I was troubled I could not speak….

I said: ‘This is what causes my grief; that the way of the Most High has changed.’

I remember the deeds of the Lord,

I remember your wonders of old.…

The waters saw you, O God,

The waters saw you and trembled;

The depths were moved with terror,

The cloud poured down rain,

The skies sent forth their voice;

Your arrows flashed to and fro…

The earth was moved and trembled

When your way led through the sea,

Your path through the mighty waters,

And no one saw your footprints….

You guided your people like a flock.”

As I prayed these words aloud, she logged on from her boarded-up first floor with her precious children nearby... I have to tell you, it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. A daughter of God, in the midst of trial, making great effort to seek God’s heart for her in the middle of howling winds, rain, and great fear. 

I welcomed her in and let her know God was already here, ready to embrace her. As I read Psalm 77 over her, she found her condition there before Him in such detail that there could be no doubt that He saw her and had words of comfort for her.  

I did not choose that Psalm for today. The schedule of praying them was planned many years ago. But God knew. He knew, and He was not surprised. He was waiting for her. He knew she would log onto a call this very day and hear how all of her emotions found a place in His love. No brave or happy face was needed. There was space for the great “all” of her experience. His living Word would be there to meet her and assure her that He would lead her through.

The world says go buy bread, lock your doors, be afraid, worry, tremble, terror is coming.

And God says: I see it all, I know it all, I will make a way, I will guide you through the waters. Peace, be still.

You are known.

You are seen.

You are heard.

Turn to Him.

He will guide you through the many waters.