Our Easter Monday devotional was prepared by Lily Spader, a member of our congregation and our Assistant Music Director.
Scripture and Reflection
I have a miniature dachshund named Larry. For those of you who have never experienced the joy of owning a “weiner dog”, here’s what you need to know about them:
They were bred to be stubborn and to bark at everything.
Larry is no exception. He barks at squirrels, at my neighbors, even at the grass if it makes a move in the wind. The only way I can get his attention through the incessant barking is if I say “LARRY, THAT’S ENOUGH” in my sternest voice. Only then, will he turn and look at me.
Psalm 46:10 states “Be still and know that I am God.”
This verse has been running through my head over the past several weeks as we have experienced the unprecedented upheaval that Covid-19 has brought to our lives. For some, these words are gentle and immediately comforting--trusting that despite the uncertainty we are experiencing right now, God’s plan and love for the world will ultimately prevail.
For myself though, I wonder if this verse isn’t also a command. In the preceding verses, the psalmist alternates between descriptions of a world uprooted by war and natural disasters, and his utter certainty that “the Lord of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress”
“BE STILL” God says, in the final verses of the psalm, perhaps in a voice not unlike the one I have to use with Larry. This voice breaks through the overwhelming silence of isolation and the background drone of non-stop anxiety.
“Be still, focus your attention on me. Know that despite all the chaos around you, I am God.”
Prayer:
Lord God, grant to us the peace of the psalmist that you are God even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Amen.
Important Announcements
1. Would you like to write a devotional for this series? We are desperate to receive a new supply of devotionals so that we can continue this series. If you’d like to submit a devotional, just as Lily Spader did for today, please know that all devotionals are welcome. If you have a devotional—or, would like to write one—please contact Richard at richard.randolph@christumclinc.org. Just about every day, Richard receives an email from someone who deeply appreciated reading the devotion for that day. Contributing one of these devotionals is an important way we can support and care for members of our faith community.
2. Join us for a virtual Midweek Retreat this Wednesday, April 15th, from 5:15-6:30 pm. We will spend most of our time seeing and talking with friends from Christ United Methodist Church. Then, towards the end of our time together, we will conclude with a “virtual” celebration of Holy Communion. If you go to the grocery store before Wednesday, be sure to purchase some grape juice (or, your favorite grape product) and have some bread on hand. If you don’t get to the grocery story, or if you forget to get grape juice, don’t worry. It will be perfectly all right to use anything, such as saltines and water. Pastor Beth will consecrate your elements and we will receive the sacrament in our homes.
Once again, we will use zoom technology to connect. To join our virtual Midweek Retreat, get on your computers or phones and go to the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/458451147If you need it, the Meeting ID is 458 451 147.
If you don’t have a computer or phone, with a camera and microphone, you can still join our virtual Midweek Retreat by traditional telephone. Simply call 346-248-7799. When prompted, type in the Meeting Id number, 458 451 147. This will allow you to participate in the virtual Midweek Retreat using your phone. We hope that you will join us for this special meeting.