Just a week ago, like millions of others, I watched the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Or, rather, tried to watch. We were in the lunch room at Mission of Mercy, attempting to view a web stream of the speech. Obviously, millions of others were trying to do the same. We heard the festivities clearly, but only occasionally got to see some of the video.
Uncertainty in the economy continues, and we're hearing all sorts of opinions on whether a government bailout will have any immediate impact. The debate will continue even after something passes through congress.
Dee and I also heard last week that a dear friend of ours was diagnosed with cancer. Results of her surgery are not optimistic, and we are in prayer daily for this special couple. They are younger than we are, and you never expect to hear news like this. Dee shared a Scripture passage from Psalms with them. Here is Psalm 62:5-8 in The Message:
"God, the one and only—
I’ll wait as long as he says.
Everything I hope for comes from him, so why not?
He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul,
An impregnable castle: I’m set for life.
My help and glory are in God
—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—
So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him.
God is a safe place to be." [1]
We never know what will come our way. Why do some experience difficulties at every turn, while others seem to go through life unscathed? Nothing that we do in life can earn us a "free pass" from trials and struggles. The only thing that we can do is place our trust in something that offers peace and hope in the midst of the fire. We know that we can not place our faith in our government or the institutions built by man. I love the last line above, "God is a safe place to be."
I have no clue how far down, or how far up, the economy will go in 2009. Instead, I'm being reminded daily that I have to keep my faith grounded in the Lord. I hope you can find comfort - and rest - in Him, as well.
[1] Peterson, Eugene H.: The Message : The Bible in Contemporary Language. Colorado Springs, Colo. : NavPress, 2002
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