Heaven Rules Smakprov

Through the Storms and Floods

During the unforgettable ups and downs (more downs than ups, it seemed) of recent years, in addition to immersing myself in the book of Daniel, I have found myself parked in Psalm 29. Over and over again, through trying days and sometimes wakeful nights, I have meditated on these eleven verses phrase by phrase, reciting and praying them again and again, until they’ve become a part of the fabric of my being.

The early part of this psalm describes something drastic going on in nature—possibly a massive thunderstorm—symbolizing overwhelming circumstances that threaten to take us under. And the psalm concludes with a resounding statement of faith that affirms God’s rule over all of life and creation:

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;

the LORD sits enthroned, King forever.

The LORD gives his people strength;

the LORD blesses his people with peace.

(Ps. 29:10–11)

These two verses, if you will embed them in your heart, will give you enough courage and comfort to last a lifetime, regardless of any floods and storms that may threaten to overwhelm you.

Whatever the storm or flood, whether we’re feeling ourselves being dragged under by

life’s problems and pressures or just fearing how much worse they could get, we can still live with “strength” and “peace.”

Amazing. How can such seemingly contradictory experiences coexist? Storms and strength? Floods and peace? How can the many varieties of troubles we may face, whether in society at large or in the lives we lead at home or at work, result in something other than debilitating distress and panic?

​​The answer? Heaven rules. HR. The storms and floods of life happen beneath Him, not above Him. Though their waters swell, He is in charge of how far they can reach. And just as surely as He’s stirred up those waves, He can also cause them to be still.

This doesn’t mean the floods are not dangerous. But it does mean the floods are not final.

Watch what your “enthroned” King does and can do—whatever the flood, whatever form it takes in your life. The God who reigns over it reaches down, knowing He has set the boundaries for precisely how long and how wide its waters can rise, and He provides something that marks us as one of His children: “The LORD gives his people strength” (Ps. 29:11).

—Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Questions:

• What storm or flood are you facing or have you faced recently? How have you seen God working in the midst of it?
• What are some Scriptures you can cling to when you need perspective in the floods of life?