With this approaching storm.
- Let’s pray for protection, our protection, and each other’s protection.
- Let’s pray for the Lord’s grace and protection for all those in the path of this hurricane.
As we face the threat of a storm like the one that is approaching, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Yet, in moments like these, we can turn to the Word of God for comfort and encouragement.
One of my favorite verses in times like this is Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Another of my favorite passages, for times like this, is Numbers 6:24-26 which says: “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
This passage is a powerful, it speaks directly to God’s protection, grace, and peace—qualities we desperately need in times of trial. In times of storms in our life.
The first part of verse 24 says, “The LORD bless thee and keep thee”
The word “bless” here is not just a vague hope for good fortune. It is a powerful reminder that God is actively working for the good of His people.
Romans 8:28 also reminds us of this, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Now, the phrase “keep thee” in Numbers 24:6 speaks of God’s protection. In the face of an incoming hurricane, when the winds rage and the waters rise, which we are very concerned about both of these happening, this is a precious promise. “The LORD bless thee and keep thee”
Just as God keeps His people safe in the storm of life, so too He will keep us in this moment of crisis.
Psalm 121:7-8 says, “The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
Whether the storm passes without much harm or damage or whether we face significant challenges, we can trust that God’s protection is both physical and spiritual. He watches over our souls, over the souls of His children, even in the fiercest of trials and storms.
Now, Numbers 6:25 says, “The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee“
The image of God’s face shining upon His people is one of favor and intimacy. It means that God is:
- looking upon us with love,
- looking upon us with care,
- looking upon us with attention.
When we feel abandoned or fearful, we can rest in the assurance that God’s gaze is upon us. He has not forgotten us, even in the chaos of a hurricane. For “He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” in Hebrews 13:5.
The second part of Numbers 6:25 says, “and be gracious unto thee,” which reminds us that God’s grace is abundant. His grace is His unmerited favor, it is His kindness that we do not deserve.
As Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Even in a natural disaster, God’s grace is with us.
- He gives us strength to endure.
- He gives us wisdom to prepare.
And He even gives us peace to trust Him amidst uncertainty and in the middle of hurricane – He gives us a peace that passes all understanding, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Numbers 6:26 says, “The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace“
This final portion of this blessing of God found in the Book of Numbers speaks of God’s peace, the Hebrew word for which is “shalom.” This is not merely the absence of conflict or danger, but a deep, holistic peace that permeates every aspect of life.
- It is the peace of knowing that God is in control.
- It is the peace of knowing that God is sovereign over the winds and the waves.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this power when He calmed the storm in Matthew 8:26-27:
“Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!”
Just as Jesus calmed the physical storm, He can also calm the storms in our hearts. As the hurricane approaches, we are invited to receive this peace that surpasses all understanding.
As we look to Numbers 6:24-26, this evening, we find three key promises:
- The promise of God’s protection,
- The promise of God’s favor,
- And the promise of God’s peace.
These are not just abstract ideas—these are realities that we can cling to, that we can hold onto, that we can anchor ourselves in, especially in the face of a hurricane.
In times like these, it is important to do certain things as Christians we need to do these things all the time, but especially in moments like this:
- Pray for protection– Ask God to protect your family. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your community. Pray for all of those in the path of this storm. Trust in God’s ability to shield you from harm, and prepare practically, knowing He is your ultimate Keeper.
- Seek His presence– Let God’s face shine upon you through reading His Word, through prayer, there is such comfort in reading His Word and spending time in prayer, especially in moments like this.
So I encourage you, go grab your Bible, open it open it, and read, feel His presence and His presence will bring such comfort.
And remember His grace is sufficient for you (II Corinthians 12:9 – And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me).
- Rest in His peace– Even as the storm looms, find rest in the peace that Jesus Christ offers. Who is the only One through which man can be saved. Now, the storms of life will come, I don’t think any of us will sleep much tonight, but His peace will guard your heart and mind through it all.
In conclusion, as we brace for Hurricane Milton, let us remember that we are not alone. The same God who spoke peace to the storm in the Sea of Galilee is with us right now today.
His blessing, as spoken in Numbers 6:24-26, is a reminder:
- that He is near,
- that He is protecting us,
- that His grace is sufficient,
- and that His peace is available even in the storm.
Let us pray for one another, pray for our homes, pray for our communities, trusting that our God will indeed bless us, that our God will indeed keep us, and that our God will indeed give us peace.
May the LORD bless thee, and keep thee, and remember the words of Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. ”
- Let’s pray for each other.
- Let’s rest in God.
- And let us trust and praise our Lord through it all.
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