When the Waters Rise – Hold On to God
On July 4, 2025, what was meant to be a day of celebration turned into one of the darkest days Central Texas has ever seen. Torrential rains pounded the Hill Country, causing the Guadalupe River to surge with terrifying speed. In just 45 minutes, the river rose nearly 29 feet in the Hunt area, sweeping away cabins, vehicles, travel trailers and lives in its path.
One of the most devastated areas was Camp Mystic, a beloved Christian summer camp nestled along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Dozens of young girls and staff had gathered there for a week filled with laughter, worship, and friendship. But in the early hours of the morning, while most were still sleeping, the floodwaters surged in with terrifying speed. Over 20 children were reported missing, and 27 counselors and campers tragically lost their lives. The darkness made the chaos even more frightening—rescue was difficult, and panic spread quickly as the river swallowed cabins and swept away everything in its path.
This region of the Texas Hill Country is a favorite holiday destination, drawing families and friends each year to celebrate the Fourth of July surrounded by nature’s beauty. But this year, the celebration turned to tragedy. As the river rose under cover of night, many people had to be rescued from rooftops and trees, clinging to whatever they could find in the blackness. The final toll was heartbreaking—at least 133 lives lost, with many more still unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue.
In the face of such overwhelming tragedy, it can be hard to make sense of the pain. Where was God when the waters rose? Why weren't there more warnings? Why these children, this day?
These are the kinds of questions that shake our faith. And yet, it’s in these very moments—when everything feels lost—that God speaks clearly through His Word:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…”
This verse doesn't promise that we will avoid the floods. It promises that we will not face them alone. God's presence goes with us into the darkest, most terrifying places—into the swollen rivers, the emergency shelters, the long days of waiting and wondering. He is with the grieving parents. He is with the brave rescuers. He is with the campers who survived, carrying both the trauma and the memories. And He is with the brokenhearted communities trying to piece life back together.
God doesn’t always calm the storm—but He always walks with us through it. And sometimes, that presence is felt in the hands of a neighbor bringing food, the arms of a counselor hugging a child, or the voice of a worship song echoing through a muddy campground.
We may never understand why this happened. But we can cling to the promise that we are not alone in our sorrow. The God who created the rivers is the same God who promises they will not sweep us away—not forever, not beyond His reach.
Reflection Questions:
In what areas of your life have you felt overwhelmed, as though the waters are rising?
How have you experienced God’s presence in the middle of crisis or grief?
What can you do to help others feel God's comfort during their storms?
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Our hearts ache for the lives lost and the pain endured in the Guadalupe River flood. We lift up the families grieving, the children still missing, and the communities forever changed. Thank You for the promise that when we pass through the waters, You are with us. Hold us close in the chaos. Let Your presence be our anchor, our hope, and our healing. And help us to be Your hands and feet to those who need comfort today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.