Rough nights. . . .

 If you go around being afraid, you’re never going to enjoy life. You have only one chance, so you’ve got to have fun. –Lindsey Vonn

 

When I was around 9 or 10 years old, our summer vacation took us to Hovenweep National Monument. Hovenweep sits in the Four Corners area, with tentacles in both Colorado and Utah. The monument celebrates the history of over twenty-five ancient peoples who dwelt in this hot, dry land, over 10,000 years ago. It’s unlike anywhere else.

There is a very primitive campground there, and we had our tent to pitch. Problem was, the ground was so hard and so dry, Dad couldn’t drive the stakes in as well as he would have liked. So he set the tent up, and we unrolled the sleeping bags, crawled in and used our body weight to hold it down.

Then the winds came . . . and the rains. . . .

It was a long, scary night, but joy did, indeed, come in the morning. The sun came up, just like every other day.

We survived, obviously. But even while we knew, at some level, that God hadn’t deserted us, like Elijah, we realized God’s power wasn’t in the earthquake, the lightning or the powerful winds. It was in the quiet that settled after the storm that God’s returning Presence was most strongly felt.

And it always does, and God always sustains us. Always.

Thanks be to God!

Monday During this season of fireworks, say a prayer for those who served in war zones and struggle with the sounds of the season, as well as animals who are afraid of loud noises. Psalm 48:1-3

Tuesday Think about your fear. Have you ever actually experienced what you fear? Have you always been afraid? Psalm 48:4-8

Wednesday When you were a child, what did you do when you were afraid? (Has your approach changed?) Psalm 48:9-14

Thursday Take time today to pray for those who are homeless and have no shelter from the storms of life. What can you do to help? Ezekiel 2:1-5

Friday What are you most afraid of? (Number One answer: public speaking.) Why? Psalm 123

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, ask God to make God’s presence known during your times of fear—and pay attention! Mark 6:1-6

Sunday Worship is a time to celebrate together. Bring your whole self to the experience today. Surely the presence of the Lord is in your worship space. Mark 6:7-13

 

The greatest gift is not being afraid to question. –Ruby Dee

 

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