by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Trusting God When God Does Not Make Sense

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.”
Psalm 91:9-10 English Standard Version

At the writing of this devotion, the state of Florida is waiting for their second hurricane in less than a month. No sooner has hurricane Helene left a trail of devastation, but hurricane Milton is bearing down on the state, especially the area of Tampa Bay. Imagine leaving your home until the storm passes, not knowing what you will find when you return.

Some of you have been there.

In my devotion this morning, in the time between the destruction of Helene and the threat of Milton, I read the words of Psalm 91, a psalm that seems to suggest that if I put my trust in the Lord, nothing bad will happen to me.

My gut tells me that there are many dedicated Christians living in Florida, some of whom will lose everything from this storm. Has God left them? Does he not care about his children living in the path of such a destructive hurricane?

Reading a little further, the psalmist goes on to say,

“When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”
Psalm 91:15 (ESV)

The psalmist admits that there will be trouble and that humans will need to be rescued. In Christ Jesus, who suffered the storm of his cross, there is hope beyond the force of life’s tempests. As bad as life can get, God’s love for us in Jesus will always be there to rescue us and to give us hope.

Heavenly Father, God of all creation, we pray for you mercy upon all who have suffered and will suffer from the forces of nature. Be merciful to them and heal their wounds that come from these storms. Through Jesus we pray. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado