Ordinary Time

Pause

“O Lord,
calm me into a quietness
that heals
and listens,
and molds my longings
and my passions,
my wounds,
and wonderings
into a more holy
and human
shape.”

Todd Loder, Guerrillas of Grace, 1984

Listen

Because you’ve made the Lord my refuge, the Most High, your place of residence— no evil will happen to you; no disease will come close to your tent.

Because he will order his messengers to help you, to protect you wherever you go. They will carry you with their own hands so you don’t bruise your foot on a stone. You’ll march on top of lions and vipers; you’ll trample young lions and serpents underfoot.

Psalm 91:9-13

Think

One of the most terrifying things for me is driving through a horrific storm. You know the kind: G-force winds, blinding rain, golfball-sized hail, and to top it all off, flashes of lightning and sonic boom thunder.

In these situations, I tend to be the person who drives 20 mph, turns on the emergency flashers, and listens to my favorite Christian singer for comfort. Though the storm rages outside, inside my car I feel more at peace.

What is it that makes the word of God so comforting, especially in times of difficulty? Whether it is from a song or scripture, there is something extremely comforting in being reminded that God has promised to always take care of us. Even for Jesus, who quotes today’s Psalm during his time of temptation in the desert, the word of God brings peace. Jesus relied on God to take care of him and see him through a dark time. We are encouraged to follow the example of Jesus and to trust God in the darkest places.

Sarah Briggs

Pray

God, thank you for promising to be my safe place. Help me to remember that you are always guiding me and protecting me, even when the storm outside is frightening. Amen.

Go

“It’s gonna be alright
Turn around and let back in the light
And joy will come
Like a bird in the morning sun
And all will be made well
Once again”

Josh Garrels, “Morning Light,” 2015