Good Lord, deliver us


As I am writing at my desk in Monmouth Junction, NJ, looking out at an absolutely gorgeous day – bright blue sky, a pleasant 72 degrees and low humidity – my thoughts and prayers are with those on the Gulf Coast as they endure yet another natural disaster. It is poetic irony that on the 7th Anniversary of the landfall of Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Isaac comes ashore and reminds all of us that nature will take its course, for good or ill. 

We must remember, however, that weather is weather and not a judgment by God.  There really isn’t “good weather” and “bad weather.” That is a conclusion made by our expectations of what we want and how it effects us.  Rain on a wedding day may be considered “bad” by a bride and “good” by a farmer.  We think of hurricanes as “bad” because they disrupt our lives in extreme ways, but they are not a punishments meted out by an angry God. Weather is part of the mystery and wonder of creation in which humans are an integral part, not above.  How we deal with weather says more about us than about God.

I have never had to endure the pain and suffering that follows the destruction of a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or even a house fire.  I cannot imagine trying to pick up the pieces of my life, yet I hope I would have the strength and courage to face such a task knowing beyond a doubt God was with me, especially in the midst of chaos.  I do hope the hard-learned lessons of Katrina have prepared those in Isaac’s path to be ready mentally and spiritually of the difficult times ahead without blaming God. 

It also allows us all to consider our spiritual houses and how they are constructed.  Are we prepared to face the hurricanes in our lives – sudden deaths, illnesses, financial problems, or any other crisis we can imagine?  True preparation happens in the years prior to such an event, in our daily prayers and weekly (or more) worship, learning and living the pattern of steadfast faith and belief.  Such work allows us to have an anchor in a storm rather than being tossed about in the waves. We recall in Chapter 4 of the Gospel of Mark (Mark 4:35-41) where Jesus is asleep in the boat while a storm terrorizes the disciples.  They cannot understand how he can sleep through it!  After calming the storm, Jesus asks, ”Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?”
 
I pray that our faith in God will be strengthened by the difficult times we endure even as I pray the distruction left by  Isaac will not be as terrible as it was after Katrina.  Good Lord, deliver us.

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