FLOODS HURT

Save me, O God for the waters

have come up to my neck,

Psalm 69:1

I have never been on the receiving end of a weather-type flood.  When young, we would often  drive to the very end of our state to observe the Mississippi River that was flooding at the time and causing great damage, but we stayed safely on a high road.

We could ask Noah about what living through a flood is like.  Prior to the flood, he hadn't even known what rain was but in cooperation with God was saved on an ark Noah had built.  The ark saved his family and choice animals...all humans and animals to replenish the earth.

In a year or so, many folks in the eastern part of our state and surrounding states, came to know quickly of what damage and heartach flooding waters can cause.  Most floods come as a surprise, something out of nowhere. This flooding came from the after effects of a hurricane that had hit Florida.  The flooding was an extension of that hurricane.  Many fled to high ground for safety.  Some folks could only go to their roofs hoping for rescue.  The moving waters were ferocious,  destroying bridges, uprooting trees and carrying homes and businesses to total destruction.

Yep, I've never heard of a storm, that from a human standpoint, seemed to be of any good use.  One thing such floods cause in the normal person is a sense of panic and feeling they've lost all control in their lives.  Hopelessness in the heart can seem to set in quickly.

David's flood was different.  He was king but on two occasions in his life, he had to flee for his life.  Saul was first after David to kill him and then of all things, Absolom his son wanted him dead.  Emotionally and spiritually, David felt not just swamped but felt himself in a flood of despair and need.  You see, floods aren't always just made up of rushing, destructive water.  Emotional floods can cause that same sense of hopelessness and loss as a physical flood.

Psalm 69 is a wonderful Psalm that was written by David when he felt totally overcome.  He knew the only answer was crying out to God in those moments of sinking.  God would be David's life, comfort and direction in those floods he couldn't humanly control or understand.

The same is true for you in me in days when we feel hit by everything but a Semi truck.  When in a time of utter despair, whatever the flood in our lives, Psalm 69 is a prayer we can pray to our Father when we can't seem to even put a sentence together.  This is a longer Psalm but so well balanced in attitude and help.  If you are facing any kind of flood right now, and it can happen in the holiday times, join David in prayer.  God heard him....but God hears us as well.

Father, You know when our hearts are breaking and when we see no solutions near.  We are so grateful that in these times, You have answers and comfort.  Help us to rest in You in our times of feeling so overwhelmed by human flooding.  Thank You for Jesus...and in His name we pray.   Amen