Peace in the Storm

“Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.  Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.”  Phil. 4:6-7 (CEB)

This verse became very personal to me during the days of Hurricane Helene.  On Thursday, before the storm moved into the NC Mountains on Friday, my son Gregory sent a video of the river rushing by as he drove home.  It was startling and my response was, “get yourself home!”    That was the last communication we had with him and our daughter in law, Nicole until Sunday.  Let me tell you that was a long three days!  I realize there are still families in the area that have not yet heard from, possibly not found, family members.  I shudder at the thought!

My cousin, Joyce, pointed me to the verse above.  It was exactly what I needed.  As a mom, I needed to hear from my son.  As a Christian, I knew that in the midst of the storm, God was there and in control.  I may not have known what was going on with Gregory, Nicole and Amelia, BUT GOD DID!  I rested in that. 

I felt we exhausted all efforts to try and find out something, constantly asking the Lord for a word or text to let us know all was well with them.  Sunday before we left the church Gregory called!  He had finally made it out to get gas and was able to get enough cell signal to call home.   It was a quick call but all we needed!  On down in Philippians chapter 4, in verse 19, Paul reminds us that “God will meet all our needs.”   He sure met mine!

Thankfully, Gregory and his family came through without major damage to property and physically they were unhurt.  It was definitely a shock to him when he first laid eyes on the destruction all around.  He has repeatedly asked for our prayers for the area he now calls home. 

It is hard to explain how I was both worried and at peace at the same time.  All I can say is but for God’s grace!  One of my favorite hymns is “Precious Lord Take My Hand” and there is a line that goes like this: “Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light”.  Through Helene’s darkness, He did take my hand and brought the light of His grace by way of that phone call on Sunday afternoon. 

What peace the Lord provides!  I pray those families ravaged by the destruction of Helene will feel that same peace as they put their lives back together.  I came across this prayer from the Presbyterian Disaster Relief organization and I think it is a good way to close today’s devotion.

By your grace, bring comfort to those who are grieving, give strength to the exhausted, and provide shelter for those who have lost everything. May your Spirit move in this, your creation, bringing peace amid the turmoil, and breathing hope into the places that feel broken.