Dear Friends in Christ,

It’s actually a more or less “usual week” in this age. For, sociologists have called ours the “Age of Anxiety.” And, during any given week, many people are experiencing anxiety.

But wait a minute! People have been feeling anxious for a long, long time! How do I know? I read the Bible!

Yes, ancient characters of Scripture – and people of old – experienced anxiety. The author of the 55th Psalm, presumably a civic leader, maybe even King David, expressed anxiety over enemies telling lies and threatening his life. Famously, the author of the 23 rd Psalm spoke of his faith’s calming effect on his anxiety, writing, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil.”

And, Jesus encountered anxiety in his followers which occasioned his asking, “What can your worry add to your life?” And, then, he added, consider the quality and strength of God’s love.

Indeed! If we’re anxious about the coming days in our nation (And, why shouldn’t we be – given the egregious conduct of some of our political leaders, candidates, and their followers?), – we ought wonder what we may bring today to our feelings by virtue of our faith. And, then perhaps we ought discuss it with one another as well as pray about it together!

It’s all a part of our stewardship, our care for God’s creation! And, who knows what helpful gifts – in words and deeds – we might bring to others and our society as well as ourselves? Who knows?

Blessings of Peace,
Pastor Ed