Water is a wonderful resource, and within the banks of a river there is a remarkable peace and serenity to be enjoyed.   The powerful currents can go unnoticed when they are flowing within their boundaries.   But outside the banks, beyond the boundaries of channels, water can be destructive.   River water coming at you without limits is not a good thing.

The past few months have been marked by storms and floodwaters in many places.  We saw it on a trip to Iowa, where the Mississippi crested over 20 feet.  We have also seen it in other areas, with all the resulting destruction and damage. We saw houses sitting in floodwaters and special possessions floating downstream in ruins.   We saw the faces of people who had lost everything.

We may not live in the floodplains of the Mississippi, but our world often floods our lives with troubles beyond the confining banks where we wish things would remain.  Not all of us have to face physical floodwaters that destroy homes and loved ones, but we all face seasons where we need to swim, weave together a flotation device, build a boat, or cling to the faith of someone we trust.  When life’s trials hit us, there is nowhere else to go but prayer, crying out to God to keep us in the channels of His grace.   Protect us from the floods around us, Lord, and keep us on your ark of safety in Christ our Lord.   When testing comes our way, keep it in the confines of your grace where it does not become more than we can handle.  Would you hold us in your empowering strength and provision in Christ our Lord, and help us to reach out to those who might be sinking.