Psalm 93: Opening the Flood Gate

 June 30, 2015

It has been a wet June in Michigan, preceded by an equally wet winter of heavy snowfall and flooding when the snow melted. Amidst all of this water, it seems appropriate to reflect on a psalm that features floods.

Psalm 93 is a Royal psalm praising God the king. The Lord God is King; his throne is established and will never fail. “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed, he is girded with strength. Yes, the world is established: it shall never be moved; your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.” (1-2) The floods may come roaring, but our God will prevail: “The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice, the floods lift up their roaring. Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!” (3-4)

Anyone who has witnessed the power of water rushing unchecked is aware of the power of the flood. The waves of tsunamis have wrought an incredible amount of death and destruction. In Noah’s time the flood wiped all living beings off the face of the earth except the few in the ark. As powerful as the flood can be, our God is more powerful. God is Lord over the flood.

As I’m reflecting on this, it appears another type of flood is pouring out on our country, a social flood. With the Supreme Court decision on marriage, it seems the floodgate of social change has burst open with unprecedented speed, more quickly than would have been imagined even five years ago. For those who have been waiting for change, I know yesterday is not too soon. Others fear a loss of their religious freedom. There are voices on both sides of the issue who seem determined to judge and condemn anyone who doesn’t agree wholeheartedly with them, leaving us in a flood of hostility rather than respect  for each individual.

There is also concern over the stability of the Euro as Greece once again teeters on the brink of default on their debt, threatening an economic flood in Europe if other countries follow suit. I know others who are drowning in a flood of paperwork from their own  or a loved ones illness.

It can be  hard to stay afloat with so much confusion, but our God is Lord of the flood. Whatever the future holds, God will ultimately prevail. We just need to hang on tight!

What are the floods in your life? How has God helped you through them?

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