Psalm 128 Joy for those who follow God’s ways
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
“How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways!
You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!
Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table.
That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.
May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!”
“How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be!”
It was 4th of July weekend, and up and down the Guadelupe and Medina Rivers, campers of all kind had gathered on the river banks to celebrate the holiday. Both rivers were normally tame delightful streams, perfectly suited for floating in inner tubes or boats and swimming. Campsites were full of RV’s, tents, boats, and vehicles of all kinds. At the height of summer, many of the children’s camps were full of children from 8 onwards, with teen-age counselors helping. As everyone went to bed on Thursday July 3, 2025, both rivers were flowing gently.
But this picture changed radically in the early hours of Friday July 4th. Due to catastrophically heavy rainfall in the watersheds feeding these rivers, a flood surge developed. The Guadelupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes. Those people fortunate enough to be awake at 1-3 AM received alerts and evacuated; however, many others were sound asleep, having no idea that they were about to be inundated. Camp Mystic, a Christian camp that had existed for 99 years, sat right in the way of the storm surge, with the youngest campers occupying cabins closest to the Guadelupe River. When the flood waters hit, many of those little girls were swept away by the water. Dick Eastland, the camp director, lost his life heroically trying to save as many of these girls as possible. At this time, 27 girls and counselors have died; however, 850 people have been safely evacuated.
Those camping in riverside parks were swept away, with many winding up in trees or being saved by rescue swimmers and emergency crews. Towns along the river have also been devastated, with riverside homes floating away until they have been reduced to splinters by the force of the water.
Why am I re-telling this story that has occupied international news media for several days? When disasters happen, the first question many people ask is, “Where is God in all this? If God is all-powerful, why do we suffer from floods, fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes?” At this point, at least 82 people are known to have drowned in floods in various parts of the Texas Hill Country and more people are missing. Why has God allowed this to happen? How can we believe in the message of this psalm when facing such disasters?
We must remember that we live in a fallen sinful world. Weather disasters are part of the consequences of the Garden of Eden. Putting it bluntly, bad things can happen-and do happen-to good people. But should we allow tragedies to mar our faith? No! Because of sin, God allows tragedies; however, God remains on the throne and remains a Rewarder of those who fear Him and follow His ways.
Viewing the photos of campers and counselors who have drowned is heart-wrenching. So much brightness and so much promise-how can God possibly have allowed these young lives to be snuffed out? As a physician, there are many times through the years when I have argued strenuously with the Lord as to WHY He has allowed certain people to die while others have survived. And each time, God has reminded me that the day an individual is born, God already knows the day that person will die. There is not a one of those precious little girls who drowned who has been lost to God.
“You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.” Notice something: God does not tell us how long any of us will live to enjoy our families.
Two local teachers and their families have become flood victims; God knows them and knows where their bodies are. Nobody is guaranteed how long he/she is going to live or how long their children will live either. But if we can enjoy our families as long as we have them, we remain blessed.
“May the Lord continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace!” As of July 6, 2025, more than 850 people have been rescued, many from roof tops or even from trees. At least 165 of those rescues have been accomplished using helicopters. While we might mourn those who have died, we should also celebrate the heroism of rescuers who have saved so many. While these people have lost everything apart from their lives, they can rebuild and there has already been an outpouring of support from all parts of America. Ultimately, many of these people will live to enjoy their grandchildren.
Finally, the psalmist adjures pilgrims to continue to pray for the peace of Israel, something all of us should pray for. In fact, all of us should pray for peace, not only for Israel, but also for ourselves and our families.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, help us to praise You, even when disasters overtake us. Help us to trust You and be grateful for every day of our lives. In the matchless and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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