Psalm 8 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals[a] that you care for them?
Yet you have made them a little lower than God,[b]
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
I love being at home. I have often remarked that a good day for me is one when I do not need to leave the yard – unless it is to make the 3.25 mile trek around my neighborhood. In the past few days, and as I try to peer into the unknown days of the next couple of weeks and maybe beyond, I realize that being home is only a treat when it is a choice, and not enforced because there is danger beyond the confines of my yard. And when my, “I’m not afraid of any little virus,” rebelliousness starts to bubble up, I am reminded by a silent voice in my ear that I could infect others if I venture out. It is not all about me.
So I sit looking out my window, and ponder the tall and graceful (although pollen-laden) pine trees that border our back yard, and watch the squirrels climb the birdfeeder in hopes of fresh seeds, and walk outside and feel the breeze upon my face, I realize that I have slowed down enough to consider the works of God’s hands. And I contemplate how absolutely incredible it is that the God who created this whole beautiful world cares about each one of us. Individually, yes, and as a community as well. As God looks after us, and as Jesus Christ demonstrated during his earthly life, so we are to look after one another in this strange time we are currently inhabiting. In this time let us look about and remember that we are not alone. God is with us, and God has given us one another to love and to care for.
Rev. Rachel Moser
Hymn-Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
What a fellowship, what a joy divine
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
Leaning on the everlasting arms,
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms.
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
O God, you are Lord over all of creation. In the beginning you caused the light to shine for through the darkness. Both day and night are yours. We ask for your blessing now upon those for whom these days are difficult and full of uncertainty. Bless those who work by day to keep us safe and to supply our needs. Bless those who labor through the darkness of night, especially those who watch and work on behalf of others. Keep our hearts cheerful and our spirits bright, and may we all look out for one another. We pray in the Holy Name of Christ. Amen.