Recently, I saw on the news that there has been awful flooding in Georgia. I watched pictures of cars completely submerged under water and people frantically trying to escape rising waters in boats. Sometimes, even if there is not a literal flood life can feel like a flood! In those moments unexpected life events crash in around us and we feel as though we are drowning. In the last week we’ve had friends who were already dealing with the five year old’s leukemia, discover that the mom a 27 years old has a blood clot on her brain. The doctors are baffled. Lise and Jason are headed to the Mayo clinic. Another young woman (16 years old) we know had a seizure in a sauna and had her face severely burned. She lays in a hospital bed fighting for her life waiting for a skin graft.

In these moments our hearts scream, “Where is God?” It is our natural response to such horror. I love the Psalmist David because he dares to be honest with God. He questions God and pleads with God, “Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.” (Psalm 28:1) another time He writes prophetically the thoughts of another who would cry out to God, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1)

As I wrestled and prayed early this morning, I read Psalm 29:10-11. “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” I realize – horror in life will continue this side of heaven. I don’t understand God’s ways. I don’t understand why He doesn’t step in and do something when the floods of life rise. Though I have been walking with him now for over forty years – I still don’t understand. But – I have come to the conclusion that after I wrestle, cry, and plead, I have a choice – I can trust that He is there and that He is good and loving or, I can choose to walk away. It helps me to know that even Jesus, hanging from the cross, cried out, “My God, why have you forsaken me” and yet in the end – He trusted. He told His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

So, I bow to a God whose ways I do not claim to understand. I have made my choice: I believe He is good and loving. He has been faithful in past horror. I will trust Him to give my friends strength and peace.