“The waters flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days. But God showed concern for Noah. He also showed concern for all of the wild animals and livestock that were with Noah in the ark. So God sent a wind over the earth. And the waters began to go down.”
-Genesis 6; 7:24; 8:1 NIrV
I often try to imagine what it must have been like for certain characters in the bible. Noah, who was seen by God to be a Godly man, was given a mandate by God to build an ark. In that mandate Noah was given a promise that he and his family would be protected. As Noah followed God’s direction he experienced mockery and ridicule. Even though Noah was walking in obedience he had to live this mandate out in front of his family, friends, and community. God was with Noah which was evident in the provision of the materials Noah needed for the ark, the security from those who would try to stop the work, and providing the animals that must be placed inside the ark. Seeing the animals come must have strengthened Noah’s resolve. Just when everything seemed to be falling into place the rain began to fall, the wind started to blow, the noises, the darkness of the storm was all around him. Noah and his family found themselves for 150 days floating in a boat with a large inventory of animals. In the midst of the storm all they had to reflect on was the memories of their community, the realities of the storm, and the promises of God. They reflected on God’s promise and everything that He said would come to pass came and had. Noah was obedient and showed faith, but in the midst of the storm I am sure he began to doubt. Just like us today. We can walk this life out with faith, and hold onto the promises of God, but there are times in the middle of the storm that we can begin to doubt God. God’s eye never moved from Noah and his family, “but God showed concern for Noah…” and God intervened. The overwhelming joy that must have come over Noah and his family when they realized the storm began to subside.
Have you ever found yourself in a dark place? Have you ever felt like the storm is getting worse day by day, moment by moment, and nothing seems to be going your way. Your thoughts are erratic, yet you try to stay focused. This takes hard work. The uncertainty of what the next step is leaves you anxious. Take heart and know that God is aware, and takes to heart your concerns. I am reminded of a popular song entitled “Praise, you in the storm” by Casting Crowns. No matter where you may find yourself today Praise Him, yes Praise God and know that if you have committed your ways to Him, He will intervene.
“I look up to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD. He is the Maker of heaven and earth. He won’t let your foot slip. He who watches over you won’t get tired. In fact, he who watches over Israel won’t get tired or go to sleep. The LORD watches over you. The LORD is like a shade tree at your right hand. The sun won’t harm you during the day. The moon won’t harm you during the night. The LORD will keep you from every kind of harm. He will watch over your life. The LORD will watch over your life no matter where you go, both now and forever.”
–Psalm 121:1-8 NIrV
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