God is our refuge and strength,
a help always near
in times of great trouble.
2 That’s why we won’t be afraid
when the world falls apart,
when the mountains crumble into the
center of the sea,
3 when its waters roar and rage,
when the mountains shake
because of its surging waves.
4 There is a river whose streams
gladden God’s city,
the holiest dwelling of the Most High.
5 God is in that city. It will never crumble.
God will help it when morning dawns.
6 Nations roar; kingdoms crumble.
God utters his voice; the earth melts.
7 The LORD of heavenly forces is with us!
The God of Jacob is our place of safety.
(Psalm 46:1–7)
Good Day Family,
In Time of Great Trouble
Where is God? That is a question that is asked when life plays out differently than we anticipate. When evil seems to triumph over good, we may begin to doubt the words of Psalm 46. But, if we consider the promises of God, we know that we were not promised an easy life, even if we deeply desire one. We were assured that there would be trials and tribulations. The key is that God is in our midst. God does not leave us. In fact, God has chosen to use us—human beings—as the instruments for the coming of the Kin-dom of God on earth…as it is in heaven.
So, where is God? With us. When we speak up for justice, God is with us. When we extend grace and listen to views that differ from our own, God is with us. When we stand for integrity and truth, God is with us.
National elections remind us how many of us are like those twelve tribes of Israel who pleaded for a human king. So many would rather be ruled by an iron hand than governed with full participation of the people. As Christians, our baptismal commitment proclaims that we follow Jesus above all others and that the Holy One is the only Sovereign that we recognize. We need no earthly ruler when we have access to the King of kings.
Our roles and responsibilities are to witness to the Kin-dom of God, to love our neighbors (whoever they may be) as ourselves, and to shine the light of God and to spread the hope that surpasses all understanding. And to pray. Pray for our communities, our leaders, and our nation.
In hopeful prayer,
Be well,
Pastor Cheryl