9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations;
I am exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Selah – Psalm 46: 9 - 11a
Last year, December was a rough month for me, and still, it seems we are all amid a season filled with illnesses. Like so many others, I had to be treated several times over for flus, and common colds. I tried to push my body beyond its limits and warnings. I’m grateful for the skills of the physician and her voice that asked me, do you need me to write a note for you to take some time off? I smiled and said, thank you, no that’s not necessary. I hear you loud and clear.
According to the New Interpreters Bible, these two words, Be Still, are heard by contemporary readers as “a call to meditation or relaxation when it should be heard in the light of (verse) 9 as something like “Stop!” or “Throw down your weapons!” In other words, “Depend on God instead of yourselves.” Because of the state of our world, we might do well to share this notion between warring nations and within some of our very own national politics. Although, there is so… much to do and our needs are growing. I must confess it has been hard for me to just stop! I wonder about others, pastors, and leaders, is this too a challenge for them? How about you? Please don’t worry, I am doing well and becoming healthier. Too, we have some upcoming plans to announce to “be still” and “stop” for just a period. More information to come, very soon.
I find it curious that Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day meet on the same date, this year. It has been recommended by some faith leaders for those who celebrate Valentine’s Day to choose another day, before or during the weekend. I can share, as always, our congregations and clergy have been planning creative news ways to begin the upcoming season of Lent. Harbor Christian Church, Newport Beach entitles their service, “Roses and Ashes” between 3pm – 6pm and First Christian Church, North Hollywood has two “drive-thru services” between 12 pm – 1 pm and another at 5:45 pm. A spiritual experience, indeed, where some might only find in a drive-thru coffee in the morning. I name just a few, please visit more of our congregations on docpswr.org for a service near you.
“This season engages us in the process of confronting who we are by nature, who we are by God’s purpose and redeeming action, and what we can become by divine grace.” (Stookey, Laurence Hull, 1996, pg. 88). It is my hope whether it be in the practice of just being still, stopping, or confronting that which holds us from the beauty of all we can become in the life of Jesus Christ. Whom in which, we can depend on and allow ourselves to give way to the matchless love of God. May Jesus be your center more and more each day.
With hope, gratitude, and prayers,
Richie