Psalm 93:3 is a verse that rings true today. It reads,

The floods have lifted up, O LORD,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.

In just a few words, this verse provides a vivid description of our troubled times. Using the metaphor of a raging flood that rises up in roaring destruction, it describes the brokenness of our world. Personally, I cannot think of another time during my ministry when this all-encompassing brokenness has been so clear, reflected in our ongoing struggles with COVID-19, the painful polarization our communities now face, division within our congregations, the heartbreaking recent events in Buffalo, injustice in all its forms, and civil unrest (both during the past year and potentially in the months to come).

If Psalm 93:3 truly is a verse for today, I am grateful that it is followed Psalm 93:4. This is a verse, to our great joy, that rings true forever. It reads,

Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the LORD on high is mighty!

It is true that we face very troubled times. They seem to be sticking around longer than any of us expected. In fact, our acute troubles seem to be growing at a time when most of us hoped they would be fading. At times like this, just like this, it is important for us to remember that our God is “mightier than.” According to the rest of this beautiful, timely psalm, our God reigns, is majestic, is forever, is trustworthy, is holy. And right at the center, we are reminded that He is mighty.

I don’t know about you, but my present-tense awareness that God is “mightier than” has ebbed and flowed over the last year. At no time during the last year have I denied this truth. But I confess, I have forgotten it from time to time. Looking ahead, I want to remember.

This brings us to the issue of prayer (which, after all, is what Psalm 93 is). Moving forward, I want to invite our NCD family to pray along the lines of this psalm. Pray that we would remember God’s power, even as we acknowledge the many troubles that “thunder” and “roar” today. Thank Him in prayer that He is in control, holding this world (and all its troubles) in His hands.

Praise Him that, no matter our troubles, He is and will always be “mightier than.”