Tuesday, November 17, 2015

A Psalm of Peace in the Storm

In the writers’ group that I’m in, we are given weekly writing challenges. Last week’s challenge was to write a psalm of thanksgiving. This one came about after reading Psalm 69 and recalls a white-knuckled driving experience I had. With all that’s happening in our world today, I think it speaks deeper.

Peace in the Storm

 The storm clouds have opened and deluged me. The river has flooded and my way leads between deep chasms of dark water. Night envelops me. A front headlight of my car has gone out, while the oncoming traffic blinds me. The humiliation I feel at my own fearfulness overwhelms me. Oh, Lord, as I press forward with dread, will You come to my aid? Reach down, guide me and bring me to safe, well-lit streets.

I am reminded that, yes, Your faithful saving presence is always beside me. Your light fills my soul. You bring me through the darkness and keep my head above the high splash of road-width puddles. Although I cannot see what lies ahead, praise flows from my lips for You are delivering me.

As I peer through the unending wild whipping of the windshield wipers, when they seem to make no headway on visibility, You bring peace to my heart. You hear my cry and know my voice as a shepherd knows his sheep.

When Your Name is on our lips, Abba, You hear the cry of those drenched by the
rain; You do not despise Your rain-soaked people. You are our umbrella of light and peace and safety. Let all those who travel on dark country roads give You thanks.