Psalm 46

 

Today, I want to invite YOU to paraphrase Psalm 46 in your own words.  I would LOVE to have you share this with me.  Here is my attempt.

God, You are the roof over our heads and the root that nourishes our lives,

When the thunder crashes and the lightning flashes, when people criticize and fear lodges 

in the back of our throats,

You are there.

So, why do we like Adam and Eve play hide and seek with You?

Why do we continue to try to adjust to a weary world as the norm, rather than Your love?

When the news gnashes its terrible teeth.

When social media splashes its cynicism and criticism pointing out that nothing is perfect.

When the winds of change swirl with hurricane force around us and within us,

Calm and center us in You.

Pause.

Remind us of our beloved-ness, that in baptism You claimed and named us.

When we are out, let us listen to the clouds preaching of Your grace.

When we close our eyes, remind us that You are there.

When we awake, You are there to whisper, “Good morning!”

If this is true, then trouble doesn’t get the final say. 

Evil may not be out of business; but we don’t need to shop there.

Pause.

Help us, strength us, awaken us to an awareness of You.

Let these words be more than words spoken aloud by our lips.

Let this be a prayer we embody and embrace every moment today.  

Amen.  And Amen. And Amen.