Hello, beloved of God!
There is so much going on in the world, so much pain and suffering and violence. There are so many days when we may feel small and helpless, grief-stricken at how life unfolds. This is where I’ve been turning; I hope it may be helpful to you, too.
Psalm 46 (NRSV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar; the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice; the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Then a prayer from St. Teresa of Avila
Nada te turbe, Let nothing disturb you,
nada te espante Let nothing frighten you,
todo se pasa, All things pass away / Everything is changing
Dios no se muda, God never changes / God alone is changeless
la paciencia todo lo alcanza, The patient reach all things
quien a Dios tiene The one who has God
nada le falta lacks nothing
solo Dios basta. God alone suffices.
Now let’s read the scripture again in another translation and see what new thing we might hear:
Psalm 46 (CEB)
God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble. That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart, when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea, when its waters roar and rage, when the mountains shake because of its surging waves.
There is a river whose streams gladden God’s city, the holiest dwelling of the Most High. God is in that city. It will never crumble. God will help it when morning dawns. Nations roar; kingdoms crumble. God utters his voice; the earth melts. The Lord of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety.
Come, see the Lord’s deeds, what devastation he has imposed on the earth— bringing wars to an end in every corner of the world, breaking the bow and shattering the spear, burning chariots with fire.
“That’s enough! Now know that I am God! I am exalted among all nations; I am exalted throughout the world!”
The Lord of heavenly forces is with us! The God of Jacob is our place of safety.
I’m praying for you and for all of God’s beloved creation. I hope you are praying for me. See you Sunday!
grace & peace,
Pastor Jessica.