1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; He utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how He has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
He burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
These eleven verses of Scripture have comforted me through some very difficult times, and my eyes fall on these words again today with the events surrounding Hurricane Sandy heavy on my heart. Sometimes, we just need a reminder of who God says He is. Sometimes, we simply need to hear God’s Word to restore our souls. As the devastating images of this hurricane continue to overwhelm our senses, hope can easily be lost. Discouragement can quickly set it. But, faith in our matchless God must propel us forward and bring us to our knees in prayer.
I want to pray through these verses today for those that have been affected by Hurricane Sandy’s treacherous path. Will you join me along with countless others around the world as we cry out on behalf of those who are hurting?
Heavenly Father,
You are a refuge in the midst of the storm, a safe place of shelter. You give strength when our strength fails us. You are present in our trouble, and you provide help to overcome. You are who you say you are God, so help those that have been devastated by this disaster to not fear. Even though some have lost everything; even though some have lost loved ones; even though many are without power; even though countless lives have been affected…make your presence known in the storm. Be the refuge and the strength that you promise to be to each one that finds him or herself in the middle of chaos and fear. Even though the waters rage and the earth gives way, bring peace to those who are hurting now, Jesus. Use your church to provide comfort to the broken now. Be in the midst of the flooding, and may they sense your presence and draw near to you. You promise your help when morning dawns. Jesus, reach down and bring relief. By your mighty hand, push back the tides and cause the waters to subside. At the sound of your voice, the wind and the waves are stilled. You speak, and the earth melts. Despite what some may think, you are in complete control. There is nothing that happens outside of your will. In these days and weeks to come, bring multitudes to faith in you, Jesus, because of this storm. Ripen hearts towards the Gospel. May many know that you are God. Be exalted among the nations. Be exalted in the earth, even in the midst of this storm. Many have been brought low. Might they now come and draw near to you in their desperation, and may they find shelter from the storm in your arms. You are present. You are with them. You are a fortress. Be a shield and a refuge to them now, Jesus.
Let's join together and pray this prayer posed on Neue Thing's blog for those suffering the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.
that was a beautiful prayer, thanks for sharing, Denise.