Ordinary Time

Pause

Be still. Take a breath. Slowly – in and out.

Picture God stepping off the highest throne, reaching out to you, and drawing you close.

Feel the deep embrace of God and hear God saying, “You are loved.”

You are loved.

Listen

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.

Psalm 46:4-7

Think

Kingdoms on earth often bring up images of grand towns with palaces, moats, and great big walls. In bygone times, these things demonstrated power and might, and they provided protection to those in the area. But throughout history kingdoms rose to power and fell to enemies, and fortresses crumbled.

In today’s passage, David reminds us that God’s city will never crumble like those on earth. No matter the trouble surrounding the kingdom, God’s voice reaches out into the midst of it and reminds us of the Holy Presence. Knowing God is near us is to know that we are in a safe place – God’s presence is our safety.

Take a moment to think about something in your life that feels like it is crumbling or that you are struggling with. Now picture God calling out to you to rest in God’s city – a city of safety no matter what is going on around you.

Rest knowing that God is a place of safety.

Melissa Kessler

Pray

Most Holy God, when things in my life feel like they just aren’t going the way I planned, thank you for being a place of safety for me. Help me to cry out to you and remember that your kingdom is so much greater than any I’ve ever seen. Thank you for being with me wherever I go. Amen.

Go

God’s kingdom is nothing like we would expect, and Jesus acts nothing like the king that everyone was waiting for.

Because of that, we are able to live our lives in a way that the world least expects – forgiving, praying, serving, and loving those around us.

Go and live differently. Live the life to which God calls you.