Thursday, June 13, 2019              

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Psalm 77:1–2, 11–20                     

I cry aloud to God,
   aloud to God, that he may hear me.
In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
   in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
   my soul refuses to be comforted.

I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord;
   I will remember your wonders of old.
I will meditate on all your work,
   and muse on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
   What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
   you have displayed your might among the peoples.
With your strong arm you redeemed your people,
   the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

When the waters saw you, O God,
   when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
   the very deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
   the skies thundered;
   your arrows flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
   your lightnings lit up the world;
   the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through the sea,
   your path, through the mighty waters;
   yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
   by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (NRSV)

Reflection
The psalmist’s journey through these verses is one I have traveled many times. In response to deep pain, intense fear, or hopeless desperation, I seek the comfort and help of my God. In those moments, I often find myself at a loss for words; I don’t even know what to ask for. After the initial shock or pain subsides a bit, I remind myself that no matter how insurmountable the present challenge seems, it’s nothing God can’t handle. God’s power is so great that even the most powerful forces of nature tremble before the Creator. Yet even though God is powerful enough to do great works all on God’s own in a blaze of pomp, circumstance, and glory, God so often works through us.

I’ve had the honor and pleasure of serving as a deacon over the past three years, and during that time I have learned so much about the myriad of opportunities, big and small, that we have every day to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s also made me more comfortable talking about my faith openly with everyone in my life, especially at work. It was a little intimidating and uncomfortable at first, but it has deepened my connections with colleagues and clients and allowed me to both give and receive in ways I never would have expected.

In what unexpected ways has God worked through you to touch someone’s life? In what unexpected ways has God worked through someone else to touch yours?

Prayer
Lord, help me to see you in the love, kindness, and compassion I receive from those around me. Work through me to give the same to those you place in my path. Amen.

Written by Nicole Spirgen, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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