Even in the Midst of the Storm…

Several years ago now, I remember helping some friends clean up after Hurricane Irma swept through North East Florida. It was heartbreaking to go back into the same homes that had been flooded by Hurricane Matthew just the year before. We removed wet drywall and soggy insulation, carried out appliances that had been floating, and collected personal items destroyed by the water.  The same neighborhoods once again looked like war zones, and the exhaustion was easily read on my friend’s faces.

And yet at the same time it was moving to me to see neighbors coming together. Church groups offering to cut down limbs and help carry heavy items. Strangers handing out water and food. Others stopping by to lend a hand. It just reminded me that even in the midst of devastation and suffering we can find beauty, strength and goodness.  

We saw much of the same thing in the early stages of the pandemic – neighbors looking out for neighbors… Churches looking out for strangers… 

I know this has been happening all over the Southeast as folks try to recover from hurricanes Helene and Milton.

And it gives me great hope.

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 46. In that Psalm we read:

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, that even in the midst of the storm, we can see your love at work. We pray today for all of those affected by the recent hurricanes. We lift up to you those who have lost friends and loved ones; and who are trying to put their lives back together. Be near to all who are suffering and hurting today.  We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.