There are weekends that call us to the beach, to the garden or as in the case of this past weekend, to hunker down. Even as I write this article, Storm No. Three is rolling in, the third in just a few days. Rain is pelting down, the wind is rising and even the thought of going out with a friend loses its appeal. In other harder-hit areas, property has been destroyed. In the saddest of all scenarios, a young man on his way home from school was hit by a falling tree and died of his injuries. In comparison, cancelled ferries runs are reduced to mere inconveniences.
Because we live barely five minutes from the shores of the Pacific Ocean, I’m well aware of the power of the waves. But today, sitting at my desk and staring at the water, I became aware of the flock of birds perched on the power lines. Nothing seemed to perturb them and even the howling winds didn’t dislodge them from their place.
Through all this commotion I’ve been reminded of a beautiful song composed by Mosie Lister. The words of the first verse go like this: “In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, While the storms howl above me and there’s no hiding place; ‘mid the crash of the thunder, precious Lord, hear my cry, Keep me safe till the storm passes by.”
Sometimes quaking in fear and crying out to the One who stilled the waves for a group of terrified disciples, we join the chorus: “keep me safe till the storm passes by.” We’re not promised a storm-free life but we have the promise that underneath are the everlasting arms and all around is His protection.
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”(Psalm 119:114)
