Be Still: For Time Like This

BE STILL For a Time Like This

Over the last 6 months we have heard our elected leaders, political commentators, and others refer to this time as unprecedented. And so it is. We are in a time between what we have known and what is to come. Such a time can be very unsettling, disorienting, and anxiety-provoking. I don’t know about you but I have had a range of emotions and feelings from fear and anxiety about my health and the health of those significant to me; to anger and despair over the lack of concern of some for the welfare of others; to a sense of resignation that there is not much I can do other than try to keep myself safe; to gratitude for those on the frontlines of healthcare, essential services, and nonviolent action for justice; to hope for the possibilities of inclusion, equity, and justice for all. The positive feelings of gratitude and hope help to lighten the burden of the negative emotions and feelings. But when caught in one of the negative emotions or feelings, what can be done?

For me, the answer lies in trusting in God’s presence, love, and grace, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12: 9) and that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8: 28). This is expressed beautifully in a poem by Denise Levertov, a 20th century American poet, entitled “The Avowal”. (1) In a few short verses Levertov takes us to these deep eternal truths of God’s presence, love, and grace. During this time of change and uncertainty and unrest, see how this poem speaks to you.

As swimmers dare to lie face to the sky and water bears them, as hawks rest upon air and air sustains them, so would I learn to attain freefall, and float into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace, knowing no effort earns that all-surrounding grace.

As you face the uncertainty of the times and the many emotions and feelings that accompany this uncertainty, what and who are “bearing you up and sustaining you”? In what ways is this occurring?

Just as swimmers trust the water to bear them up and hawks trust the air to sustain them, are you able to trust in God’s presence to support and to uphold you?

How are you learning to “freefall, and float into Creator Spirit’s embrace”? What are the things you need to let go in order for this to happen? What are the things you need to accept?

How are you experiencing God’s “allsurrounding grace”? Where are you seeing God’s grace at work in the world?

The Book of Psalms also speaks to these and other deep eternal truths. The Psalmist describes many of the characteristics of God that when remembered can be helpful to us in a time like this. Hear these words from Psalm 145: 8-9; 13b-14.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made.

The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.

The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.

The Lord is gracious, merciful, good, steadfast, loving, compassionate, faithful, upholding. WOW! Another Psalm that may provide comfort in a time like this is Psalm 91. Here the psalmist acknowledges his fear but also remembers powerful and comforting images of God. God is a shelter, refuge, fortress, and shield. In times of trouble, God will sweep us up into God’s warm, strong, soft wings where there is shelter and safety. Many of you, I am sure, are familiar with Michael Joncas’ “On Eagle’s Wings” which is based on Psalm 91. The refrain says, “And God will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of God’s hand.” When faced with anxiety and fear about life circumstances, I would encourage us all to envision being held in the palm of God’s hand and to rest there knowing that God is our refuge and our strength.

During this time of upheaval in the world, it is my prayer that we have eyes to see and hearts to know God’s love and grace at work all around us in family and friends, in the healthcare and essential services workers, and in those peacefully calling for justice and equity, and that we may all know God’s love and grace raising us up and holding us, giving us strength and courage and hope for the days ahead.

God’s joy and peace to us all.

(1) www.allpoetry.com

Written by Christine McHenry

Christine has been a member of HPCUMC for over 35 years. She is a retired pediatrician with a masters degree in theology from United Theological Seminary. She is a trained spiritual director and supervisor, a trained labyrinth facilitator, and a retreat leader.