Finding Comfort in the Storm
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and the devastating floods in south Texas, let’s take a moment today to pray for those who have been affected by this storm.
As I watched footage of the floodwaters rising and the devastation in Houston and surrounding areas, this verse from Nehemiah came to mind. The Lord our God is mighty! He created an amazing, wonderful, awe-inspiring world. While it can be difficult for us to feel joyful in the midst of the storm, we can take comfort and strength that our God is bigger than any storm. All nature is under his control!
Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens,even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Our God is Mighty!
In Psalm 29, David also writes of God’s might. This whole psalm creates a mental picture of God’s majesty and power. I don’t know about you, but it makes me feel very small to know that God’s voice alone can shake the earth.
1 Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,
Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord strikes
with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;
the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord twists the oaks
and strips the forests bare.
And in his temple all cry, “Glory!”
The last two verses reassure me of God’s care for his people. I find comfort in knowing that no matter what happens on this earth, our God sits on his throne forever.
10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord is enthroned as King forever.
11 The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Prayer for Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey
Lord, we pray for those who have been affected by the hurricane. We ask that you will calm the storms and cease the rainfall so that the floodwaters can recede. Father, we pray for those who have lost homes and possessions that their basic needs will be provided. We pray that their homes may be repaired or rebuilt quickly, so they can return to their lives.
Lord, we pray for those who have had to evacuate because of the storm and do not know what they will find, nor when they will be allowed to return. We pray that they will have peace as they wait to return home, and we pray for their safe travels.
Dear God, we pray for the first responders who risk their lives to save others. Please keep them safe and let the necessary resources be provided so that their jobs will be made easier. We also pray for the medical staff who have stayed at hospitals and clinics to care for their patients. Give them an extra measure of energy and strength to endure the long hours.
Father, we ask you to be with the families and loved ones of those who have perished in the storm. Comfort them as they grieve the loss of their loved ones. May your church reach out to show your love.
Lord, we praise you that you are in control of nature! We rejoice in your power as you sit on your heavenly throne. Help us remember to seek you when we are in the midst of the storm, whether that is a physical storm or a spiritual one.
In the One who calmed the wind and the waves–Amen!
Be encouraged by these posts as well!
- Strange Way to Save the World – Michael Crawford - December 12, 2017
- A Psalm of Comfort in the Midst of the Storm - August 27, 2017
- What’s On Your Spiritual Bucket List? - July 13, 2017
Amen – our God is awesome – and my prayers are with Houston too!
I’ve been praying that this natural disaster will cause people to draw closer to God, which is the most important thing! And Christians can reach out and help others practically, too.
Natural disasters always sink deep into my soul. It amazes me how the world seems to stop turning for some, and life goes on as normal for others – sometimes just miles away.
I feel like psalms has something to comfort, encourage and uplift me
Praying is the most important thing we can do for disaster victims, and I would say that donating resources is a close second! I need to reach out to the elders at my church and find out if a collection will be taken, but I can pray for them right now.
Very true!!! A beautiful reality that our God can always be trusted. He is in control and He is good. We can seek His face. No matter the trial, He is always faithful.
Beautiful passages. Praying for God to draw near and make Himself known to all living in the midst of this terrible storm.
I live just outside Houston. Thank you for these comforting words. I can’t describe the devastation.
I love that you point to the word of God with this discussion. It’s so important to keep him the focus in terrible times.
This is a beautiful prayer. We live in a hurricane zone so I know how touching the prayers of others can be.