This morning’s Scriptures are: Psalm 46; Psalm 48; Isaiah 26:1–9; 2 Corinthians 5:16–6:2; John 8:12–19
This morning’s Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 8 (“The Song of Moses,” Exodus 15, BCP, p. 85); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 19 (“The Song of the Redeemed,” Revelation 15:3–4, BCP, p. 94)
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard something like this recently: “I will be so glad to put 2020 in the rearview mirror!”
The year we close out today has indeed been a hard one. And it does look like some things are turning around: a vaccine against the coronavirus is becoming available, and the melodrama around who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue seems to be coming to an end.
But truth be told, there are no guarantees that 2021 will be any better. It is not at all clear how we are going to climb out of the economic hole we are in. There is still a serious reckoning with race ahead of us in this country. Many people feel that time is running out on us when it comes to environmental issues, or “creation care.” Many people have been traumatized and emotionally battered (some, in domestic abuse situations, literally battered) by the season we have been enduring. The year to come most certainly will bring its own drama. That’s the only thing we can count on.
Well, no, that’s not true:
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult (Psalm 46:1-3 NRSV).
Here’s truly something even more important that we can count on (pardon me for using the version that first introduced me to this verse): Thou dost keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusts in thee (Isaiah 26:3 RSV). If there is security ahead—deep, lasting, unshakeable, inviolable peace of mind—it is available to those who trust in Yahweh’s trustworthiness. Frankly, it is available nowhere else.
Short, sweet, and to the point today: put your trust in the Lord—and keep it there. As he got you through 2020, he will get you through whatever lies ahead in 2021.
Be blessed this day,
Reggie Kidd+