Our Help is in the Name of the Lord

If the Lord had not been on our side, let Israel now say; If the Lord had not been on our side, when enemies rose up against us; Then would they have swallowed us up alive in their fierce anger toward us; Then would the waters have overwhelmed us and the torrent gone over us; Then would the raging waters have gone right over us. Blessed be the Lord! he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124

We live in a time when many are looking for help for their survival. In most ages, there are folks needing help, needing protection, aching to be heard. We all stand of the shoulders of generations before, people we do not remember or recognize, who did heroic things quietly, guaranteeing our safety and survival. The world is in tumultuous times, when we are so divided and social media fans the flames of hate. Yet those who came before us lived in tumultuous times as well, and they trusted their Creator to bring them through, living quiet heroic, risk taking lives for the sake of others. We too, like them, can deepen our trust in God and live quiet heroic lives of service. For God works through the love we share, the peace we create and the sanctuary we provide.

Wondrous Creator, who sees us in all seasons

you provide abundance in challenging times

giving us protection in the storms of life

and shown us how to live a life of loving service.

We go astray when we take care of ourselves alone

stepping over those we choose not to see or care for

we forget whose shoulders we are standing upon

and have forgotten to care for those around us.

Lord, make us ready to seek your face daily

armed with love to share and peace to give away

make our hearts open and our ears open as well

so we might be those who carry your love here and now. Amen.