In whom we live and move and have our being

Good afternoon,
            It is difficult to get away from the news reports. Everywhere we turn - television specials, talk shows, Facebook, CNN, FOX, ABC… this corona virus has our full attention. 24/7. The virus is thrust front and center. We cannot look away. And we should be paying attention. We need to stay informed and have misinformation dispelled. But for the good of our psyches and souls, we also need a break. Let us look more deeply into what God is saying through nature’s voice.
            I love the way the Apostle Paul describes God as the One “in whom we live, and move, and have our being.” Acts 17:28. Take a few minutes every day. Sit down and look at what this God giving us – again. The magnolia trees are blossoming, the daffodils are growing tall, bright yellow, and happy. The cardinals sing. The sparrows flutter around the bird feeder. Squirrels scurry across the back yard. Rabbits do their hop and stop dance, happy to be out of wherever they go when it is cold. The sun burns bright in the middle of the sea of blue above us.
            The prophet Isaiah says many difficult things. He speaks for an angry God. Yet…even in the midst of his anger and frustration, God gives us hope - and many reasons to celebrate. Healthy, healing life is bursting forth wherever we look for it!
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
(Isaiah 55:12)
            Even as the virus spreads, the earth is giving birth to spring. Beneath the confusion and fear, we have reason to join the trees of the field and clap our hands.
Peace be with you all,
Pastor Michael

PS – Shaun is busy right now. Soon this week’s worship service will be available on a sound cloud link coming to you via email, Facebook and www.fpcedgewood.org. Let us gather together tomorrow morning and ask the Lord’s blessing.