Jun. 12, 2008 - Floodwaters Still Rising in Iowa: God Help Us
Floodwaters Still Rising in Iowa: God Help Us
Our flood-ravaged Iowa is bracing for historic floodwaters still to come. Throughout Iowa, rivers are swollen and topping levees, reservoirs are filled to capacity, farmlands look like lakes and low-lying city areas are rapidly disappearing under murky sewer-contaminated water. All of this continues as rain is still pouring over Southeastern Iowa.
Our home is along the Middle River, one of the many smaller tributaries of the Des Moines River. Yesterday it was amazing to see the river rise over three feet in a few short hours and flood the surrounding fields for the second time in the past week.
Already challenged by wet weather conditions throughout the spring, farmers were forced to delay planting by weeks and now face massive crop devastation. It is certainly reasonable to predict that corn, soybean and pork prices will rise quickly due to the inability of Iowa’s farmers to meet demands, both here and abroad. Sadly, I also believe that many small family farms will not weather this extraordinary storm, referred to as a five hundred year event by Iowa Governor Chet Culver. Although Iowa’s people have a tremendous resilient spirit, that alone will not pay the mortgage.
In Des Moines, there is an eerie calm. Residents have been assured that the city’s water supply is safe and that shored up levees will hold. However, the cities of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are inundated with water and still rising.
Please join with us here in Iowa to pray for relief from the massive statewide flooding.
“Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.” Psalm 69:1-2
“But I pray to you, O Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O god, answer me with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters. Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; redeem me because of my foes.” Psalm 69:13-18
In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.
by Sallie A. Hagen
