Dear FBC Family,
This is a sad and sobering moment for our world. Know that I am praying for you as you absorb the painful news of the invasion of Ukraine. In worship this Sunday we will observe an extended prayer time of Laments and Intercessions for the World. If your heart, like mine, is full of grief at the violence and turmoil, I believe Sunday’s worship will bring comfort.
In the meantime, I want to offer here Nan C. Merrill’s adaptation of a well-known psalm. This psalm, particularly this translation, has been a guide for me at times when I’ve needed to be reminded that God is, indeed, a loving presence in times of trouble.
Psalm 46
The Beloved is our refuge and our strength,
a loving presence in times of 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…
The nations may be at war,
countries left in ruins,
yet is the Voice of the Almighty heard, melting hearts of stone.
The Beloved is with us, the infinite Heart of Love.
Come, behold the works of the Beloved,
how love does reign even in humanity’s desolation.
For the Beloved makes wars to cease,
breaking through the barriers of fear,
shattering the greedy and oppressors,
refining hearts of iron!
Be still and know that I am Love.
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth!
The One who knows all hearts is with us;
The Beloved is our refuge and our strength.
~ From Psalms for Praying © 2007 Nan C. Merrill
In the great Love,
