Peace, Goodness and Mercy in the Storm

I love to share about God’s peace, goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives (Psalm 23:6) but then comes along another storm that rocks and reels our world. Hurricane Ida came in with a vengeance. I was thankful to see my Louisiana friends mark themselves as safe on Facebook. But there are many other heart-wrenching stories of loss of life and homes as well as heart-stirring scenes of people and pets being rescued out of the rushing flood waters. Thank God for America where our people – first responders, volunteers, churches, and charitable organizations have stepped up to do what they can in times of crisis. As divided a country we are, in times like these, our true colors, good hearts and muscles show up.

I read that the U.S. is projected to have nearly 100,000 more COVID-19 deaths between now and December 1st. Louisiana hospitals anticipating victims of Hurricane Ida are already packed with patients from the latest coronavirus surge.

I also read that thirteen fallen American heroes were brought home from Afghanistan yesterday. Marine Corp Sgt. Nicole L. Gee was one of them. The bombing killed her six days after the Pentagon tweeted a picture of her cradling an Afghan infant in her arms in Kabul. She reposted that photo on Instagram with the caption, “I love my job.”

It’s a cinch to speak “peace, goodness and mercy” from my place of comfort, security, and safety this morning. I could go on my merry way and not give a second thought to those precious families who are suffering and are reeling from the pain of life’s disasters. But I can’t. How could I be so callous to not consider those who are in shambles from the disasters that have overwhelmed them. Our awareness of hurting people should be even stronger in times like these. If we can’t go to help physically, we can pray for their peace, comfort, and resilience.

I don’t take my comfort for granted because I’ve been through some mighty serious life storms and weather storms. In fact, I could be right here in the comfort of my home and still be reeling from storms that could be in and around me. I could be completely lost and hopeless — longing for inner peace and rest in my soul. How grateful I am that I found that God’s peace and His goodness and mercy follow me in those times. I found that safe place in the person of Jesus Christ, and what a difference He has made in the storms I’ve encountered.

There will always be storms in our lives. It’s predictable whether they are from the forces of natural disasters or those from the pain of broken relationships, discomfort from illness or loss of loved ones. In all those storms, no matter what comes our way, there is only one Constant that can carry us through every storm. We can be hope-filled conquerors because our trust is in God, our Good Shepherd Who promised He would never leave or forsake us.

Maybe life seems overwhelming from the storms you may be in today. I’ve been there. Each time I found my answers in the Source of answers. I found Him to be my stable foundation and my shelter in the storm. I urge you to go there for your place of refuge today. And for those of us who are sailing on calm seas right now, may we take to heart those who are suffering. In times like these, they need a Savior and an anchor and a solid rock. Jesus is the answer for our world today. Above Him there’s no other. Jesus is the way to peace. Jesus’ words to the disciples as they were reeling in fear and despair are His words to calm us and others today. “Peace, be still”. Lord, let there be peace on earth and let it begin with us.