Lord of the Storm and Other Thoughts

Hurricane Lala just passed through the islands leaving a devastating wake on the Big Island and parts of all the other islands. Here on Oahu, the Windward (east) side was probably hit the hardest. I believe people in Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo are still without power over 48 hours later. I am thankful that where we are situated on the island, we didn't feel the effects too much.

I do, however, pray for those affected by the storm--flooding, loss of property, wind damage, loss of power. Lord, sustain your people and use this devastation to draw more people to yourself. 

I'm currently reading a book titled 8 Women of Faith, by Michael A. G. Haykin. I am always amazed when I think of people in different time periods and what they had to endure. I read of Anne Steele this morning, the great hymn writer who died in 1778. In many ways, I can see myself through her biography. Raised in the church, her life revolved around the small group of people there. She came from a legacy of faithful believers. Her mother died when she was three, so she was raised by her stepmother. She served and taught faithfully in the local church. Her betrothed died just before their wedding in a drowning accident. She wrestled with sickness almost her whole adult life, yet she clung to Christ and the riches of his written Word. She found solace and comfort in meditating on Scripture and turning thoughts into poetry. She wanted to point people to Jesus and tell of his faithfulness.

Here is another wonderful resource that shares many of her works. Hymnary

My favorite (though I haven't read through them all) is this one redone by Indelible Grace featuring Sandra McCracken in 2011.

Indelible Grace - Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul

1. Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On thee, when sorrows rise;
On thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting Hope relies.
To thee, I tell each rising grief,
For thou alone canst heal;
Thy word can bring a sweet relief,
For ev'ry pain I feel.

2. But oh! when gloomy doubts prevail,
I fear to call thee mine;
The springs of comfort seem to fail,
And all my hopes decline.
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust,
And still my soul would cleave to thee,
Tho' prostrate in the dust.

3. Hast thou not bid me seek thy face,
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sov'reign grace
Be deaf when I complain?
No, still the ear of sov'reign grace
Attends the mourner's pray'r;
Oh, may I ever find access
To breathe my sorrows there.

4. Thy mercy seat is open still;
Here let my soul retreat,
With humble hope attend thy will,
And wait beneath thy feet.
Thy mercy seat is open still;
Here let my soul retreat,
With humble hope attend thy will,
And wait beneath thy feet.