“The Lord your God will never fail you or abandon you.”

We have a term on the east coast of Australia that I only remember being used in recent times. Because it is associated with gale force winds and heavy rainfall that lashes the coast its name alone strikes fear in people’s hearts. It’s called the “East Coast Low”. On the Great Lake the wind direction with this weather pattern prevents the flow of water in the lake escaping to the sea, thus we sit and watch the water rise and pray against flooding.

This time before the rain began the flocks of swans that reside around the Quiet Side gathered on the lakeshore.

They appeared confused, settling in a number of flocks along our shoreline then paddling out into the lake a little way, but then returning as though they were waiting for something.

When the rain began in earnest and the winds blew they remained there in a tight bunch – united against the elements.

And days later when the rain stopped and the lake flooded up to our back fence, they remained, enjoying their private pools of water. Like sentinels they seemed to guard us for those few days. In the stillness of twilight  their soft musical calls filled us with joy and hope. What a gift from God!

Through this whole episode I felt a peace that wouldn’t be flooded. Looking back it reminds me of God’s promise:

“…be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic… For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”  (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

Blessings,

Marilyn