Listen

Watch me with the very pupil of your eye! Hide me in the protection of your wings, away from the wicked who are out to get me, away from my deadly enemies who are all around me!

Psalm 17:8-9

Think

Here David is asking God to watch over him and lovingly protect him from people who are trying to do him harm. During the national shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic we were required to shelter in place to protect us from getting sick. David wants to be sheltered in God so his enemies will not succeed in hurting him.

It is a sad but undeniable fact that there are people who intentionally harm others. News reports from across the country remind us of the ugly realities of mass shootings, police misconduct, and gender-based violence. Not even our schools, homes, or churches are always places of safety. Where can we find shelter in this time of storm? Despite how others may see us, we are worthy of God's love and protection. God cherishes us, provides an arc of safety, and patiently teaches us how to cherish each other.

Kamal Hassan

Pray

God of all comfort, let me not live in fear of planned or random acts of harm against me.

Let me always remember that God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.

Amen.

Go

Walk humbly with your God

On paths not rutted from overuse

Walk toward people not of your kind

Walk with Jesus

And you will never walk alone