03-29-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 29, 2020
Scripture: Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me

Thought for the Day: In my sermon this morning from Esther 4, there is a section when I talk about being sucked into other people’s anxiety. It has been said that most of us have enough anxiety for ourselves and we don’t need to borrow or babysit someone else’s anxiety. In the sermon, I said:

When you let the story of the anxious become your story, there is only fear that is feeding you.

But when you let the story of the faithful become your story, there is strength to sustain you.

The dark valleys of life are not necessarily our valleys, but someone who we have chosen to walk alongside and support. As people of faith, this is often our calling. But it doesn’t mean we have to build ourselves a home in someone else’s dark valley. In fact, we need to maintain our residence in the light so we can return to the light, often bringing with us the one who was stuck in the valley. We might just be the representatives God has sent into someone’s shadowy gorge to be a reminder of God’s presence. This is where being rooted in the stories of faith helps us keep an eye on the light, or at least know the path that will get us there when we have to carry our friend on our back.

Prayer: Provide me a few stories of hope and illustrations of Good News, O God who is on the mountain and in the valley. Instill within me a message of light, life and love so that I might represent you to those who might be stuck in a rut that has turned into a canyon with some pretty steep walls. Amen.

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