Much of southern Indiana was recently under water. Media sources of all types have been flooded with information regarding… well, the flooding. Locals have posted pictures of the rising water on and around their homes and places of business. One post on Facebook provided a map of Jackson County indicating road closures due to water levels; there were more roads that were closed than were open. Another by the Seymour Fire Department warned of the dangers of attempting to pass through including the tagline, “TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN!” While driving through Bartholomew County, one meteorologist declared, “God have mercy! The whole region looks like a reservoir.” He’s not wrong. Driving through Seymour and Columbus is eerily similar to driving through Monroe Lake.
We know the fear and frustration that wells up when the roads become rivers and the water threatens to sweep over us.
This level of flooding is not unprecedented, though many have described it as such. While we are approaching 100-year flood levels, it is the second such deluge in the last 20 years, with this being the lesser of the two. Not only is flooding precedented, it is a standard operating procedure for this region. Even moderate rainfall turns many streets in and around Seymour into ponds. To paraphrase the old Sunday school song, when the rains come down, the floods come up. We know the fear and frustration that wells up when the roads become rivers and the water threatens to sweep over us. It’s an occupational hazard of calling this quintessential small town located in this pocket of southern Indiana home.
The Bible often uses storms and flood waters as an illustration for the various struggles and sorrows that rise up in our lives and threaten to overwhelm us. One such passage has been swirling in my mind as I’ve observed the flooding of the last few days. It is Isaiah 43:1-2a and it reads,
But now, this is what the Lord says –
He who created you, Jacob, He who formed you, Israel:
‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by my name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
And when you pass through the rivers,
They will not sweep over you.
Sometimes He calms the sea. Sometimes He calls His servant. But come what may, He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Whatever waters may rise around us, whether literal or proverbial, and regardless of how the currents of life may push and pull on us, God will consistently provide a way through for His people. Our God created the seas and can split them for His people to walk through on dry ground. Our Savior has walked upon the water and pulled His disciple from the depths. Sometimes He calms the sea. Sometimes He calls His servant. But come what may, He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is always present and promises to fill us with the power needed to stand strong through His Holy Spirit.
Storms will certainly come, both literal and metaphorical. The waters will undoubtedly rise. The problems may seem unprecedented, but our God has most definitely provided His people with the power to face worse. Do not fear the flood waters, whether literal or figurative. Instead have faith and take heart. God is present and will help you pass through.
