Ready for the Storm

Psalm 121 was the focus of our worship service yesterday. This psalm depicts a dangerous journey, but one where the Lord promises to be with us and to offer protection. I closed by reciting the first verse of “Ready for the Storm.” This is a great song that talks about the storms we face in life, but in the chorus says that “I am ready for the storm.” The song was originally written by Dougie MacLean. A great Scottish song-writer and performer. He is perhaps best known for his song “Caledonia,” which is considered an unofficial Scottish national anthem. He wrote “Ready for the Storm” in 10 minutes while sitting on a beach in Brittany, France. He was feeling homesick and lonely, and compared that to the rolling ocean he was watching. You can hear Dougie MacLean’s version of the song here.

MacLean seems to be thinking about the inner fortitude that we need to muster to face life’s difficulties. In the second verse perhaps he has in mind the importance of human love in the midst of our trial. Rich Mullins, however, saw the obvious parallels between this song and Christianity. In his version, just before last chorus, Rich added one word:

And when You take me by the hand,

And You love me, Lord, You love me.

And I should have realized

I had no reasons to be frightened.

By adding the word, Lord, the Christian themes of the song are made overt and the song becomes an encouragement to us in the storms of our life. You can hear Rich Mullins version of the song here.

On June 21, 2026 after the Sunday morning worship service, a congregational meeting was held where the Stained Glass Window Task Force shared their findings and the Church Board shared their recommendation to the congregation. You can see this meeting in its entirety by following this link. Please note that this video is not available generally, but only through this link

Josanne and I will be traveling to the Central District Conference meeting in Harrisonburg, Virginia this week, so I won’t be in the office Wednesday-Friday. If you think of us, pray that our travel goes smoothly. We’re going to take the opportunity to spend a day with our daughter Bethany since we’ll be in the area.

God bless, Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday

Psalm 146—According to this psalm, why can we trust in God for salvation?

Matthew 6:25-34—What does Jesus teach us about trusting God?

Jeremiah 17:5-8—What does this passage say about where we place our trust?

Colossians 1:15-23—How does Paul describe salvation here?