In The Aftermath Of Storms

– Ponderings:

This morning I turned on the TV for background noise and spent about a half hour looking at scenes of devastation from Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee. I have a cousin in western NC and another in Gainesville, FL, and I wonder how they’re doing. I’ve been in some storms with wind and rain and experienced minor flooding and wind damage, but nothing on this level. I’ve also been through some storms in my life, but I’ve never lost everything I owned or had the sense of helplessness and hopelessness many of these people must feel. With our technology and standard of living, we think we’re safe and in control, and suddenly something as basic and elemental as the power of nature reminds us that we’re not. It’s also a reminder of what’s most important. In the scenes of devastation, I saw neighbors helping one another and joy as family, friends, and pets were reunited.

As I watched, I was reminded of these words of God to the prophet Isaiah: “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” – Isaiah 43:1-2 (NRSV).

In the aftermath of storms – whatever their origin – the devastation can feel overwhelming. Homes can be destroyed or torn apart, lives upended, and people and communities left reeling from the loss. How can we find hope when everything around us seems lost?

Isaiah speaks directly to these moments of fear and uncertainty. God doesn’t promise that we will not pass through the waters or the fire (that we will be free from hardship or suffering). In fact, the passage makes it clear that we will go through deep waters and fire. But the promise is that God will be with us through it all. God knows our name, calls us by name, and claims us as His own. The promise is that if we lean on Him, the waters will not overwhelm us nor will the fire consume us, because His presence is our refuge and strength.

Why doesn’t God prevent bad things from happening? That question has been asked from the time of a man named Job, and even before. It’s a question that goes back to the beginning of time. I believe there are many answers to that question, and when we’re in pain, I also know that none are satisfying. That leaves us with a choice. Turn away from God or lean into God.

The aftermath of a storm is not just about physical and emotional rebuilding—it’s also about spiritual healing. Communities and families come together, neighbors help neighbors, churches open their doors to the displaced, and strangers show acts of kindness. In these expressions of love, we see glimpses of God’s presence.

Isaiah 43 continues to offer these words of promise: “Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters … Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert … Do not fear and do not be afraid.”

I don’t know exactly what this “new thing” will look like, but I look forward to seeing it. What do you think?

Prayer: Lord, we lift up all those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. We ask for your healing hand upon every broken heart and displaced family. May your presence bring peace in times of chaos. Help me to remember that you are with me in every storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.