September 13, 2020
Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not be far from me! Psalm 38:21
God is never far away from us. In him we live and move and have our very being. Whatever we do, wherever we go, we are always in his presence. Nothing in life or in death can ever separate us from his love.
There are times when God may seem to be remote and far away. He is still near, and yet we are unaware of his presence. In periods of suffering and pain we may feel God has forsaken us. Even our Lord, as he suffered on the cross, cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” God did not abandon His son on Calvary, neither will he forsake us. This assurance can sustain us in our darkest hours.
As we live in the consciousness of God’s abiding presence, we are able to face life unafraid. However difficult and threatening life may be, we know we are not alone, and this knowledge gives us strength and courage to face the tasks of life without undue anxiety. Even death itself is robbed of its terror.
O God of grace, make us conscious of your presence in our lives. Enable us to go forward this day in the confidence that you are with us, that we may be strengthened to do your will. In Jesus name, Amen.
Pastor Joel Bjerkestrand