Tuesday, September 10, 2013

The Day Before 9/11

Many of us have distinct, maybe even distressing, memories of where we were and what we were doing on the eventful morning of September 11, 2001. We remember shocking images and fearful responses. It was a day we will never forget.

But, where were we on September 10, 2001? Most of us were going about life in a "business as usual" mindset. Jobs, family, responsibilities- these were the things that occupied our minds. Until the phone rang or the "breaking news" graphic appeared and then we found ourselves suddenly, unexpectedly, alone, vulnerable, and afraid.

The reality is that we never know when such trauma might invade our lives. It may be international conflict, natural disaster, an e-mail from a family member, or a call from the doctor's office that can take today's "normal" and turn life upside-down. If we can't prepare for 9/11 on 9/10, how are we supposed to live on 9/12?

There is a greater reality:

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.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.  Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth.  He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.  "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1-11