Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Experiencing the WHIRLWIND

After not sleeping AT ALL for the last 48 hours, Carly fell asleep about an hour ago. I'm PRAYING she stays that way for a long while!

Last night was the worst night we've had in years. Physically and emotionally very demanding. To further complicate matters, she was so sleep deprived that she tremored for hours throughout the night and early morning, then later at school also. It was very frustrating and a little scary, I have to say. I was grateful to read Psalm 77 around lunch time. It's a favorite Psalm of mine having encouraged me in similar circumstances a number of times over the years. A couple phone calls from friends, words of encouragement by text message, email and Facebook during the day, and then small group Bible Study tonight all helped Larry and I get through the SLOG of what was "today."

We expect to hear back from the neurologist in the morning after he has a pow-wow with the gastroenterologist. Something needs to change.

Incidentally, a record-breaking low pressure condition existed here yesterday and created quite a lot of chaos outside last night. The WHIRLWIND going on around our house was like a metaphor for what we were experiencing inside the house. It's no coincidence that the Psalm I read today reminds me that God meets us in the whirlwind.

How have YOU experienced God's powerful and faithful presence lately?
PSALM 77
For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

1 I cried out to God for help;
I cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
at night I stretched out untiring hands
and my soul refused to be comforted.

3 I remembered you, O God, and I groaned;
I mused, and my spirit grew faint.
Selah

4 You kept my eyes from closing;
I was too troubled to speak.

5 I thought about the former days,
the years of long ago;

6 I remembered my songs in the night.
My heart mused and my spirit inquired:

7 "Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?

8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?

9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?"
Selah

10 Then I thought, "To this I will appeal:
the years of the right hand of the Most High."

11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.

13 Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?

14 You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
Selah

16 The waters saw you, O God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.

17 The clouds poured down water,
the skies resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.

18 Your thunder was heard in the WHIRLWIND, [my emphasis]
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.

19 Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.