Remembering Hawaii and Indiana
Tuesday’s Verses:
From Psalm 46:1-2 ESV
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea”
As flooding inundates homes and schools in Indiana and communities in Hawaii cope with fears of flooding and mudslides, this psalm is spoken with special love and intentionality. The Bible does not sugarcoat our troubles. The psalmist gives words to an earth that shakes, mountains that move, and waters that threaten to engulf us.
But the psalmist also reminds us that God is not distant in a storm. God is our refuge: with those who are scared, with those who have been displaced from their homes, with those who are grieving and with those searching and waiting for news from loved ones. God enters into the suffering of the world in Jesus Christ and clings to people when their footing is unsteady.
“Therefore we will not fear…” does not claim that we will not cry or worry. What it does say is that we do not fear because God’s faithful presence has the last say. Let us pray for all who have been affected, work for the betterment of relief efforts, and be a witness of Christ’s love and sheltering for our neighbors.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Merciful God, be a refuge and strength for those affected by flooding and mudslides in Indiana and Hawaii. Keep safe those in harm’s way, comfort those who have lost their homes or loved ones, sustain first responders and volunteers, and grant wisdom to all who are tasked with providing relief and leading recovery efforts. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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