When the Waters Rise: Trusting God Amid the Texas Floods

The recent floods in Central Texas have left the country breathless. The devastation, the loss of life—especially the young ones at Camp Mystic—and the destruction of homes and communities cut deeply into the soul of the state and the nation. As the waters rose, so do the grief of the families who’ve lost loved ones. Yet as believers, we must ask: Where is God in all of this?

Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”

God in the Midst of Disaster

Floods in Scripture are not new. From Noah’s ark in the book of Genesis and Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in the book of Exodus, water often symbolizes both judgment and deliverance. And in times like these, we might wrestle with questions:

• Why did God allow this?

• Couldn’t He have stopped it?

• What good could possibly come from such sorrow?

These are not just theological questions; they’re human ones. And they deserve more than basic answers.

In Job 37:13, “Whether for correction, or for His earth, Or for goodness, He causes it to happen.” God’s sovereignty over creation doesn’t always make sense to us. But His character—good, faithful, and just—never changes.

Lament and Faith Can Coexist

The Bible doesn’t shy away from grief. Lamentations, Psalms, and even the cries of Jesus on the cross remind us that lament is a language of faith. We are allowed—commanded even—to cry out, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13:1).

It’s okay to grieve the lost lives. It’s right to mourn with the families who will never be the same. And it’s holy to take our tears to God, trusting that He stores every one of them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8).

The Church’s Call in the Storm

Now more than ever, the Church must be the hands and feet of Jesus. The Church isn’t known for its structure but its the body of Christ that ultimately makes the church and in times of crisis the church is there to help the brokenhearted. We must do the same:

Pray earnestly for those affected, for first responders, and for state leaders. Give generously to relief efforts—whether financially, physically, or with your time. Be present for the hurting. Sometimes the most theological thing we can do is simply sit with someone in silence and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).

Eternal Hope When Everything Shakes

The Texas floods remind us of how fragile this life is. Storms come—sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively—and shake everything that seems stable. But Hebrews 12:28 tells us we are receiving a kingdom “that cannot be shaken.” In Christ, we have a Rock that no flood can wash away.

Jesus promised, “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

So we grieve, yes. But we grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). The floodwaters may rise, but they do not drown the promises of God. In Christ, suffering never has the final word—resurrection does.

Closing Encouragement:

If you’re reading this and you’re affected by the flooding—whether physically or emotionally—know this: God sees you. He hears your cries. And He has not forgotten you. When the waters rise, so does His faithfulness.

Let’s be a people of hope in the storm.