Friday, July 31, 2015

Today’s Reading  |  Psalm 93

The Lord is king, he is robed in majesty;
     the Lord is robed, he is girded with strength.
He has established the world; it shall never be moved;
     your throne is established from of old;
     you are from everlasting.

The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
     the floods have lifted up their voice;
     the floods lift up their roaring.
More majestic than the thunders of mighty waters,
     more majestic than the waves of the sea,
     majestic on high is the Lord!

Your decrees are very sure;
     holiness befits your house,
     O Lord, forevermore. (NRSV)

Reflection
“The floods have lifted up, Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.” It is easy to forget when reading this on paper just how impressive pounding waves can be when you see them in person. My grandparents have a summer cottage in Maine that is on a cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean. Most days it is peaceful and serene and you think, “I am as close to heaven as I can get.” However, when there are storms, it can be a little frightening.

The waves during the winter months and during a large storm can sometimes reach up to our cottage and splash the deck and house, making you realize just how quickly a scene can change. Although a little frightening, it is also kind of exciting to watch the “thunder, pounding waves,” a visual representation of the beauty God creates and has control over.

My grandfather was a stained-glass window artist and found tremendous joy in painting simple things from nature. A bee, a lily, and a rose were his three favorite things to paint. In Maine, on the cliff of the rocks, he felt closest to God, and I learned a lot from him in finding beauty in the small wonders of God’s creation. With every storm, with every rainbow, I always think of him. God reigns over everything! Let us always be reminded of that in every circumstance, in every small encounter with something miraculous.

Prayer
Lord, your power and majesty is great. Thank you for all you do in creating such a beautiful world for us to experience your love. Amen.

Written by Ashley Elskus, Director, Center for Life and Learning

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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