You Only Need to Be Still

02Oct
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
-Isaiah 43:2

The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.
-Exodus 14:14


On July 4, 2025 devastating flood waters poured through the Hill country, taking many precious lives in its wake. One was a precious Camp Mystic counselor, Chloe, who lost her life protecting her campers and was a close friend of my nieces. My niece and I were together for the Fourth, and watching her go through the phases of grief for her camp that was such a special safe place for her, likely gone forever, and then for her friend who was lost for days and then found was gut wrenching. How can we make sense of such a horrible tragedy? There were just no words, only moments to listen for God’s voice. So much darkness, and an entire community in mourning searching for the light.


My search for comfort led me to Isaiah 43:2, which I heard later was one of Chloe’s favorite verses. Isaiah 43:2 was written by the prophet Isaiah during a time when the Israelites were suffering in Babylon. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you” shows that in times of great tragedy and uncertainty, there is a promise from the Lord that transcends the immediacy of circumstances. The Lord will be present and protecting us no matter where we go. When an unthinkable tragedy such as the Texas hill country flood happens, it makes us ask why? We want to ask God to take all the pain away. But, often God just leads us through. It gives me hope to know that no matter how hard life gets, there is a path through. Instead of always removing the struggle, He shows us His power by guiding us through it, step by step. Now when i think about the tragedy that befell Camp Mystic that day I picture those Chloe and the rest of the camp counselors and staff as angels- guiding the little angel campers through the dark waters, towards the pearly gates and their heavenly home.


Musical Reflection - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Lucy Thomas


Dear Lord, during troubled times give us the hope of peace and the strength to let You guide us through troubled waters. When the pain hurts so much that we feel like we cannot make it, let us lean into You and let You carry us through. Amen.

TroublePentecost

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