Day 7 Devotional

Day 7/October 31 Devotion

Reflection by the Rev. Kari Parsons
Pastor at Christ the Servant
in Montgomery Village, MD

Many years ago, I was taught a sung meditation that has helped to ground and calm me in times of fear or uncertainty. Its words are, “Changeless and calm, deep mystery, ever more deeply rooted in Thee.” For me, this is a reminder that our God is eternal. As the book of Revelation reminds us, God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, what was, and what is, and what is to come. What remains constant for the faithful throughout history and throughout the whole of scripture is God’s steadfast love, faithfulness, and mercy. As we study the scriptures, as we pray the psalms and sing hymns, God invites us to sink our own roots into that steadfastness, to let God’s love ground and stabilize us. Then, when the uncertainties of a troubled election season, or a pandemic, or both at the same time, trouble us, our roots remain firm.

Jeremiah 17: 7-8

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
   whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
   sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
   and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
   and it does not cease to bear fruit.

Questions to Ponder

  1. Is there a bible verse, story, or hymn that reminds you of God’s presence with you in times of trouble?  Read or sing it again.  Perhaps you could post it somewhere you’ll see it each day.

  2. When uncertainty and anxiety blow your thoughts like strong winds, could you stop for a moment and “be still and know that God is,” as Psalm 46 commands? 

Silence for Reflection

Prayer

O God of grace and mercy, root our lives in your goodness and steadfast love. Teach us to trust in you and follow the example of your Word, Jesus Christ, especially when the winds of change and anxiety seem most fierce.  Help us to know your Spirit’s presence with us, guiding us toward your truth, your justice, your compassion, and your grace.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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