Dear Friends,

How is it with your soul? I’ve been experiencing lots of shifts around me which has left me feeling unsettled and at the same time overwhelmingly grateful for God’s constant love for all and God’s everlasting faithfulness. I share this hoping that perhaps it will offer you both comfort and encouragement to keep leaning into God’s grace and call on our lives.

What or who helps you during transitions and shifting times? Perhaps it is more quiet time to be still and listen to God, or maybe not still – maybe you are moving – driving to and from work, caring for toddlers or aging parents and listening and experiencing God’s presence as you share the love of Jesus by serving others. Maybe it is reaching out in the community with acts of kindness. Maybe it is talking with someone about a story, parable, or psalm from the Bible. Perhaps it is something entirely different or some combination.

Whatever your spirit is needing these days to stay connected to God’s merciful and mighty compassion and transforming care, I pray you are able to find space for it. It is so good to be back together in worship for those who are able, and it is a blessing to continue to connect through technology for those who are not. This morning, I was blessed by the words of another UCC pastor, Kenneth L. Samuel, Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia, as he reflected on this passage. I hope it might offer you inspiration and renewal for the living of this day and each and every day God makes and invites us into.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness
of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:13-14

You can read his reflection and/or sign up for the Still Speaking Devotions at www.ucc.org.