God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3

Each new week comes with its perils as well as with its opportunities, and this week is not likely to be different from the rest. These times we are living in are times of uncertai9nty for many for a number of reasons, for uncertainty is the theme of the times for many of us. The economic situation; high prices, wages not keeping up. Lowering standards of living for most of us, rising crime in our cities- what’s next? The world situation isn’t all that stable at the moment: The war in Ukraine, the Middle East; China and North Korea rattling their sabers while President Biden appeared unwell the other day in a debate- who is making the big decisions?

Friends, it’s getting weird out there.

As each of us comes to grips with our own worries, concerns and perceived vulnerabilities of whatever nature, we may begin to feel alone, isolated and even a bit confused, and we might start to imagine disaster everywhere we look.

It is in times like these that we really need to pause and reflect on the larger picture, and when we do, we quickly see that God is right here with us in both good times and bad times. He is the source of our strength and our refuge. In Him is our hope; our hope is not in human things. When we are alone, He is with us. When we are weak, He is strong. When we despair, He brings us hope.

With that in mind, let’s turn our attention to the opportunities before us this week. Opportunities to grow in His presence, opportunities to serve His purpose by serving those around us, and opportunities to grow in the way of His love for all of us.

In spite of everything, things are beginning to look bright after all.