Ordinary Time

Pause

Show me the way, show me the way. / Take me tonight to the river / and wash my illusions away. / Please, show me the way.

Show me the way, show me the way. / Bring me tonight to the mountain / and take my confusion away. / And show me the way.

Show me the way, show me the way. / Give me the strength and the courage / to believe that I'll get there someday. / And please show me the way.

Styx in “Show Me The Way” (1990)

Listen

I take refuge in you, Lord. Please never let me be put to shame. Rescue me by your righteousness! Listen closely to me! Deliver me quickly; be a rock that protects me; be a strong fortress that saves me!

Psalm 31:1-2

Think

There is so much fear around us right now: fear that we will get sick, fear that we will get someone else sick, fear that we will lose someone we love, fear that things will never get back to “normal” again. If we allow, that fear can become debilitating.

The author of this Psalm was also facing great fear. They cried out to God, begging God to be a refuge, rescuer, deliverer, protector, and fortress. Many such prayers have been uttered in the past few months by believers all over the world.

One of the most repeated phrases in all of scripture is “do not be afraid.” It’s one of those “easier said than done” statements, but if we really trust that God is our protector and deliverer, then we do not need to fear what the future holds. What are you afraid of today? How can you hand that over to God?

Leigh Benish

Pray

Compassionate God, I am afraid of so many things, but I know that you are here with me in this fear. Help me to trust that you are my protector, and may I continue to turn to you for refuge and courage. Amen.

Go

Through Jesus Christ, and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, God provides guidance for us each step of the way.

Go and follow this guidance, full of courage and trust, knowing that God loves you infinitely and will not lead you astray.