We begin a new worship series today that we pray will bring a “breather” and a sense of assurance to us all. Life is a series of exclamations from “O No!” to “Help!” to “Oh Yeah!” We can swing between disappointment, helplessness, and gratitude on a daily basis. The Book of Psalms knows all about this. Written over a span of time from exile and isolation to the rebuilding of the community, the poetry of the Psalms will accompany us in this series, reminding us that through it all, we can trust that God is, indeed, holding our lives.
This series will allow us to simplify and slow down for a time. We will lean on prayer, reflection and sharing with one another.
We do not live in a land ruled by Kings, as the hearers of our first Psalm of this series did. Nevertheless, the petitions of the psalmist for justice, deliverance, defense of the poor and oppressed, and peace for all peoples is an undergirding theme of our faith.
We are reminded that a just society is one that proclaims “these lives are precious” and worthy of protection. God, indeed, is holding our lives. Let this be our “epiphany” in this new year.
Lift up your eyes, behold the hills.
From where will help and rescue come?
We call the One who made the earth,
who bless’d the stars, the moon and sun.
God is holding your life
God is holding your life
God is holding your life, we believe
Weekly Scripture – Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14 & Matthew 2:1-12