"Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past"

picture taken by Scott Marchant in Ireland, September 2016

I am writing this as the Carolinas brace for the arrival of Hurricane Florence.  Having lived in eastern North Carolina my whole life, I have been through a number of these storms, and having experienced the fury of wind and water, I am naturally very concerned about the safety of everyone in its path, including my own family.  The TV and internet are filled with up-to-the-minute bulletins about the wind speed, the expected storm surge, and projections for how much flooding might occur.  Everyone is sharing tips for protecting one's house and property, not to mention how to minimize the danger to life and limb.  

Preparation is, of course, very important, but we should not forget the most important preparation of all -- praying for God's peace and comfort in the midst of the storm and for the safety of all who watch and wait for its arrival.  And so, I offer this beautiful hymn from Charles Wesley as a prayer and a word of confident hope in the One who is indeed the Lover of our souls.

Jesus, lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll,

While the tempest still is high:

Hide me, O my Savior, hide,

Till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide;

O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none,

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, oh, leave me not alone,

Still support and comfort me.

All my trust on Thee is stayed,

All my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenseless head

With the Shadow of thy wing.

 Thou, O Christ art I all want,

More than all in Thee I find;

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,

Heal the sick and lead the blind.

Just and holy is Thy name,

I am all unrighteousness;

Vile and full of sin I am,

Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found,

Grace to cover all my sin;

Let the healing streams abound;

Make and keep me pure within.

Thou of life the fountain art,

Freely let me take of Thee;

Spring Thou up within my heart,

Rise to all eternity.