God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3
Earthquakes, floods, family and political tensions, murders, suicides; faltering economies. Every day, we are bombarded by headlines and situations that cause distress, dismay, fear and uncertainty. During Lent, Christ invites us to explore these feelings of unrest, and seek restoration in his abiding and enduring strength (Ps. 46:1-3).
Recently, I was driving along a dark road all alone, when suddenly I saw the dreaded red and blue lights of a police vehicle flashing right behind me. I was within the speed limit and yet I suddenly panicked, and I could hear and feel my heart thumping so hard in my chest. My mouth went dry. I pulled off to the side of the road and stopped my engine wondering how this encounter would end.
A uniformed officer approached me and kindly pointed out why he had stopped me. He was warm, respectful, and helpful and then he sent me on my way. As I pulled away, I realized how unfounded my fears were, and I thanked God under my breath for his Presence in that encounter. As I drove off, the tension eased, and my sense of peace returned. Then I remembered that God was with me, he has always been with me, and he promises that he will always be with me. Whatever our fears, let this season of Lent remind us that God IS our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Have a peaceful and peace-filled week, no matter what you are facing.