I will take refuge in the shadow of
your wings until the disaster has passed. (Psalm 57:1)
During the
summer of 2010, oil spewed into the Gulf of Mexico from British Petroleum’s
Deepwater Horizon well. For months it seemed the oil would never stop. What
started as a personal catastrophe for the families of the eleven men killed in
the explosion now ranks as the world’s worst man-made environmental disaster
ever.
Disasters
come in different forms. In addition to environmental disasters – both man-made
and natural – there are international conflicts, financial blow-ups,
relationship meltdowns and the list goes on. Illness and injury, violence and
crime; none of us escapes disaster at some time or other in our lives.
David
experienced more than his share of hurt. As a young man, his king put a price
on his head, forcing him to seek refuge among his enemies. Losing a battle with
lust led to adultery and murder. His son, motivated by resentment, seized
David’s throne forcing him to run for his life yet again. His daughter was
raped, his son was murdered, and another son died from illness in early childhood.
No doubt
you’ve known disaster in your life too: investments crashing, retirement plans
losing their value, children making bad choices, crime, accidents, or bad news
from your doctor.
Today’s
reading holds two relevant promises: 1) During dark times we have a refuge; and
2) the disaster – whatever it is – will pass.
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