Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, for I have taken refuge in you; in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge until this time of trouble has gone by.
I will call upon the Most High God, the God who maintains my cause.
We will send from heaven and save me;
he will confound those who trample upon me; God will send forth his love and his faithfulness.
I lie in the midst of lions that devour the people; their teeth are spears and arrows,
their tongue a sharp sword.
They have laid a net for my feet,
and I am bowed low; they have dug a pit before me but have fallen into it themselves.
Exalt yourself above the heavens, O God, and your glory over all the earth.
My heart is firmly fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and make melody.
Wake up, my spirit;
awake, lute and harp; I myself will waken the dawn. Psalm 57:1-8
Today is Groundhog Day, a silly, fun moment in the dead of winter. A small town, no big city folks new about, becomes the center of attention for one day. Today is also the feast of the Presentation or Candlemas, when we commemorate Jesus' presentation in the temple forty days after his birth to fulfill Jewish law. There is no law of reason for Groundhogs Day, except maybe to give us hope for a quick end to winter. Phil saw his shadows, so six more weeks of Easter. At this time of year, and with all the trauma in our country, we can feel beaten down and overwhelmed. Yet we can rejoice that Jesus is still working, our Savior is not stopped by weather or chill or silly forecasts. His work and weapon is always love, and it cannot be stopped by act of nature since he is the author of all.
Wondrous Creator, who brings light daily
and turns the world so all may see and know
the blessings and challenges of every season.
The darkness is here in our streets and hearts
fear has taken over where love should be
and we cling to foolish predictions and signs.
Help us burrow into your love and promises
make us know you deeply so we might love
and turn the world your world to light once again. Amen.
