08 28 08 AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRAISE HIM

“Have mercy on me, O God! Have mercy on me!
For in you I have taken shelter.
In the shadow of your wings I take shelter
until trouble passes.” (Psalm 57:1 NET)

The weather must seem like an enemy to the folks in the Gulf Region after Hurricane Katrina. Having seen the damage and most recently the progress being made there, I myself am feeling quite helpless here in Maryland. I can only pray with my friends in New Orleans, Slidell, Covington, and other areas that the Lord will have mercy and give them the strength to endure whatever occurs. Even as I recall with amazement the faith of the people of New Orleans, I can only wonder how devastating another storm will be both physically and emotionally.

“May he send help from heaven and deliver me
from my enemies who hurl insults! (Selah)
May God send his loyal love and faithfulness!”
(Psalm 57:3 NET)

We know David spent many days fleeing from attacks, struggling emotionally with loss of friends and family, and dealing with the consequences of storms, some he created himself and from the normal circumstances of life. While we may never understand God fully, we can always believe that He is in control of all things. He has a plan for all things to work out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His will and purposes. The storms of life produce a stronger faith; give us a greater respect for God and His sovereignty; and gives others an opportunity to come to know and experience His grace. It gives the believer AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRAISE HIM as Job did and trust DADDY to always make a way…a better way than we could imagine!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you, who by God’s power are protected through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold; gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:3-7 NET)