Tragedy touches our world in some way every day. We hear of conflicts across the globe which causes people to be displaced from their homes. Nature strikes in violent ways and people are left homeless and wondering where they will turn. We listen to the political battles that are going on and we wonder what will happen to us and our families. People cannot make ends meet. They wonder where their next meal will come from and how they will pay the light bill this month or whether they can afford their medication for the month.
We also hear of tragedies just next door to us. We try to be there for our neighbors and friends as they wrestle through their difficulties. Sometimes the struggles and tragedies are our own and we may wonder if we will ever see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Let’s read Psalm 139 (New Living Translation):
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you…
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up you are still with me!
God promises to always be with us! No matter what comes, we are not alone. Jesus has said that he is our intercessor. While he walked this earth, he prayed for us and still prays for us today at the very throne of God. There is nothing that can come between us and God.
Prayer: Tender shepherd of our souls; make yourself and your way known to us this day. Bring awareness of our failures and confidence in your desire and ability to forgive our sins, heal our wounds, mend our broken pieces, and mend our broken world. By the power of your presence
bring us to the end of each day whole, complete, and at peace with you, our neighbors and ourselves. Grant us peace this day and send us forth as witnesses to your amazing love and grace. Amen. (Prayer by Reuben P. Job, adapted)
Pastor Lisa
