The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
This past weekend, four of us drove to Anderson, IN from GA for my wife’s graduation from her online Master’s program. She was surprised to have her mom and dad fly in from WA state to show their support. Aside from the long, less than exhilarating ceremonies over the coarse of two days…it really was a very special weekend. On our way home, we decided to stop in Nashville, TN to do some shopping and eat at a couple of famous restaurants that are also favorites to the locals and many well-known country music artists. Quite honestly, we were hoping to see one of our own favorites…but no such luck for us that day. We did, however, enjoy some of the best southern cooking…between brunch at the Pancake Pantry and dinner at Loveless Café! From Georgia Peach pancakes to real southern fried chicken and smoked pork BBQ…I’m telling you it was heaven on a plate!
We were having so much fun site seeing and just experiencing the history and culture, and then reality abruptly set in. While trying to find our way to the last restaurant, we approached a closed road. In the process of re-routing our course in unfamiliar territory, we found ourselves passing through a neighborhood that had been hit hard by the recent flooding. It has resulted in 27 deaths and tragic damage to historic sites, businesses, and homes. It’s one thing to see this kind of thing on the news, but very much different to see it first-hand and talk with people there who had been directly effected.
Our free-spirited, touristic mindset was quickly transformed to a sobering reminder of God’s providence in our own lives. Our family has endured it’s share of trials and challenges over the years, but nothing even comes close to comparing to what we witnessed in Nashville. We still have our health, our pictures and memories, our pets, running water and phone service…and these families do not. Our hearts hurt for them, and instilled an overwhelming reminder of how much God really has watched over us.
How has God’s hand been over your life lately? This week, take some time to recognize his recent blessings in your family. My prayer is that none of us will ever endure what the people of Nashville are suffering right now.
Remember and hold onto these words of hope…
‘The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.’
Thanks Brent, we can not acknowledge who is in control. Challenges in our life allow us to draw closer to our true higher power, not ourselves. Each crisis becomes an opportunity to witness, when Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives. It seems like you got a lot more from the vacation than initially planned, and isn't that our God, exceeding expectations again?
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