When storms strike.

Written by Richelle Hecker

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

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
    Why are you so far from saving me,
    so far from my cries of anguish?
 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
    by night, but I find no rest.”
Psalm 22:1-2 New International Version

This is a picture of what is left of a tomato plant in my garden. Recently it hailed, and when I checked the garden my tomatoes were decimated. I was sad, because I had made the effort to prep the soil and plant them only to have them ruined. Then I was blessed by others in the garden who had extra tomato plants and gave them to me. I replanted. Then I bought cloth to cover the garden, and to protect my plants from future hail storms. When I went to cover my garden, I discovered the new plants had been clobbered by hail once again. It had taken me two days to get back to them, and I was one day too late.

This scenario happens in our lives as well. We are clobbered by circumstance, then God comes to our rescue with something new. Suddenly the next storm comes tearing through, and we are left wondering why God restored us in the first place. Sometimes it happens repeatedly until we think we can’t stand it anymore. Yet we can still trust Him. We continue His praises, because He always rescues, heals, and restores.

This is what David addresses in the 22nd Psalm. He talks about how God rescued them in the past and that He will still praise His name in the assembly. In spite of his many struggles, and although he feels alone and surrounded by his enemies, David chooses to praise God. He continues to trust Him for deliverance.

I will plant again in my garden, and continue to hope that if I persevere the crop will come. When situations strike us repeatedly we can continue to praise God and trust Him. He does not get weary of rescuing, repairing, and renewing us. He is there as many times as we need Him. Praise Him!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO