Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
As we enter a new era (that is what it feels like for many who are my age) I wonder when the answer to the question “What’s Ahead?” will be obvious. In the 10th verse of Psalms 46 we hear “Cease striving (or in other words, be still ) and know that I am God.” In 1752 (now that’s old) one of my favorite hymns and one I wish to have at my Memorial Service was written. The title “Be Still My Soul”. Like many I find myself surrounded by the world of digital communication. Cellphone which is going off with a reminder to do something, new text message, new email, new something or perhaps a low battery because it has been on all day and most of the evening. The T.V. brings constant news of breaking events in our country or some other country which causes me concern. I sometimes wonder “Who raised that child” when I hear or see some act or words spoken by someone when I feel their “Mouth is in motion and their mind is in neutral” I question values people have when I see public officials squander away resources that could otherwise be used to alleviate the misery of others.
An attempt to answer the question “What’s Ahead?” leaves me with a feeling that it is a waste of time. I am not supposed to have the answer but rather as the second verse says.
“Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.”
Prayer: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Help me to remember that I am but a Keeper of my Creator’s Garden which is full of all things living.
Bob Simril
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