God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam.

Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude

A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.

God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.

The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts!

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world.

He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
Psalm 46

Dear God, the increase in the Delta Variant of COVID-19 is stressing me at work. When I read this psalm this morning it help like a good comfort to me. Even in the stress of this week, I can see how some things have worked out providentially. But still, I came home yesterday feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. In fact, I’m up an hour early this morning just so I can get a head start on my day. There is a lot to do, and my time to do it is getting squeezed.

But again, when I read this psalm it helps me look at this situation and actually see how you have provided for us. I can see how you are making things easier in the midst of chaos.

There was a woman at our clinic yesterday and I could tell she was very alarmed by the increase in COVID. She asked me a lot of questions about local statistics and I was able to offer her some comfort. I at least took her from ref alert to yellow alert. I feel like that is what you are doing to me through this psalm. You are comforting me. You are opening my eyes so I can see.

Father, thank you for being my refuge and strength. Thank you for being there in my times of trouble. Thank you for caring about me in the first place. Thank you for loving me. As Jesus said in the passage I journaled through yesterday, the world can harm me, even all of the way to death, but you are still my comfort because the ultimate victory is yours, and I will dwell in your house with you forever. Thank you for everything.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen