Thursday, July 7, 2016

Today’s Reading  |  Psalm 46

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. (NRSV)

Reflection
Those who know me will confirm that I’m not good at being still. I spend most of my yoga classes trying to get rid of the swarm of thoughts that fill my mind. When I’m on vacation, I would rather explore a new city than lie on a beach. I am happiest when I’m completing tasks and crossing items off of my to-do lists.

Similarly, when I’m faced with an issue that needs to be resolved, my immediate impulse is to make a plan and take action. But there are many situations over which I have no control. While objectively these events are not world-ending, they prompt me to turn inward, to place the burden of uncertainty on myself. How can I be still when I have to figure things out?

The audience of Psalm 46, when faced with crises that are indeed catastrophic, are encouraged to “not fear” and put their trust in God. A God who can take even the most horrible, earth-shattering wars and natural disasters and “cease” them with only an utterance. “Be still, and know that I am God!”

Let us remember that our burdens are not ours alone.

Prayer
God, remind me to breathe and to have faith in you, especially when I encounter problems that are beyond my control. Help me to remember that you are all-powerful and capable of transforming even the most severe devastation into hope and life. Amen.

Written by Katie MacKendrick, Editorial Assistant

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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