By the time you read this, the FunderFam is either going through, or dealing with the aftermath of a category 3 hurricane. I’m writing this before it makes landfall in case we lose power later. And predictions say our location, on the Emerald Coast of Florida is the bullseye. But, thanks to God, we’re still filled with joy and love and peace in the crosshairs of the storm.
Not the koom-bah-yah kind, though.
Real, blood-pressure-lowering, calm-and-collected joy and love and peace that God provides.
In the book of Psalms you can discover what’s called a “michtam”. I’ve seen that defined as either a “special song” or even “golden.” Either way, it’s used to describe something very precious. Recently I read Psalm 56. And, this morning, I looked at it from a different angle.
Psalm 56, like most of the Psalms, is attributed to King David of Israel. And David was writing about how his enemies were all around him. But this morning I thought about how you could replace the people and enemies part with a hurricane/storm and apply it to what’s going on right now.
David wrote:
Be merciful to me, O God, for man (this hurricane) would swallow me up; Fighting all day (blowing and raining all day) he (it) oppresses me (floods my property). My enemies (this storm) would hound me (howl around me) all day, For there are many who fight against me, O Most High. Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God I will praise His word, In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh (hurricanes) do to me? All day they twist my words (twist tree limbs); All their thoughts are against me for evil.
They gather (it builds up strength) together, They hide (its winds are invisible), they mark my steps (it thrashes my outdoor plants), When they lie (it sneaks in a night) in wait for my life. Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, O God! You number my wanderings.
Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book? When I cry out to You, Then my enemies will turn back (the storm will soon pass by); This I know, because God is for me.
In God I will praise His word, In the Lord I will praise His word, In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man (a hurricane) do to me?
I hope you know the joy and love and peace I know.
I’m talking about the joy and love that brings the peace that only comes from your Creator. If you haven’t checked into it yet, don’t wait another day. Yesterday is gone forever, and tomorrow is only a future today. So, today is the only day you have. Don’t delay.
All you need to do is ask God to come into your heart and change you. He says “ask and it will be given to you.” Then, you won’t have to ride the storm out alone.
My joy is flowing out
Into your ocean.
Your grace rains down…in my open heart.
You take my hand
When the road is narrow,
And you’re my Light when things get dark. (from the song Shine In Your Glory) © 2010 TF
If mercy sounds good to you, let’s stay connected. It’s super easy. Here’s how:
Get Rhyme and Reason delivered to your inbox for free.
It’s good stuff based on the power of God’s love. And, I’ll send you download links to music and The Very First 6 Days (a rhyming book for kids about the creation week) right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies. Just add your email to the form and let’s connect right away.
Stay tuned,
