Our prayers are with the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
This devo was written years ago when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, but the words are encouraging to those suffering today also.
Encouragement from a Hurricane Victim
Pslams 69:1-3; 13-17; 32-35
I received a call from Rusty (my minister) yesterday. He was at the church building and told me about our need to help the hurricane victims lodging at the Motel 6 across the street. He soon found out their immediate needs, they were more logistical than anything else. They needed help moving food and clothes from one location to another. I called my friend Brian to help me do some of the moving. After loading up a couple trucks, Denise, the woman in charge, invited us to an Italian restaurant which had offered free meals. (That was nice!)
It was here that we were enlightened to the real needs of friendship and companionship. We heard the stories of hurt. Renard lamented about yesterday being his birthday and having to spend it as he was. Another mentioned that the hurricane hit New Orleans on his mom’s birthday. When speaking about Bible passages with one group of folks, Denise told us about the 69th Psalm. This Psalm is classified as a lament. There is usually hope seen at the end of lament psalms, which is the same in the laments of our own lives…if God is our focus.
The following are portions of this Psalm from the beginning the middle, and the end. Read the words of David:
“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.“ (Psalm 69:1-3)
“But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its eyes over me. Answer me, O LORD out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me . Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.” (Psalm 69:13-17)
“The poor will see and be glad—you who seek God, may your hearts live! The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them, for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. ” (Psalm 69:32-35)
I was happy to receive encouragement from Denise. She enlightened me to a passage of scripture which should be encouragement for everyone. The waters David speaks about are not always literal but simply troubles and trials that any of us may go through. The point is that God will deliver us from any kind of trouble which looks like it will engulf us. Please keep Denise and the many other victims we met yesterday in your prayers. They will be applying for permanent housing with FEMA today in downtown Dallas. I saw many people helping with their housing needs and it was wonderful to see. We praise you O God!
