Genesis 7:17-24 (NRSV)
Read Genesis 7:17-24 on biblegateway.com
Verse 17The flood continued forty days on the earth; and the waters increased, and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. Verse 18The waters swelled and increased greatly on the earth; and the ark floated on the face of the waters. Verse 19The waters swelled so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered; Verse 20the waters swelled above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep.
Verse 21And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, domestic animals, wild animals, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all human beings; Verse 22everything on dry land in whose nostrils was the breath of life died. Verse 23He blotted out every living thing that was on the face of the ground, human beings and animals and creeping things and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those that were with him in the ark. Verse 24And the waters swelled on the earth for one hundred fifty days.
Devotion
The story of the great flood may remind us that hardly a day passes without hearing about another tragic disaster. We hear of lives lost and terrible destruction. Some of us may have personally lived through such tragedies. These situations bring pain, grief, anger, isolation and even hopelessness. God’s covenant with the inhabitants of the ark meant they would not be alone during the flood. We have the same assurance. God accompanies us even during times of tragedy and suffering, supporting and sustaining us.
Prayer
We thank you, comforting and upholding God, for not abandoning us in times of great suffering. Amen.