September 20th, 2019
In 1987, Wallace Stegner wrote a novel called “Crossing to Safety”, his title taken from an earlier Robert Frost poem. The novel and poem I recommend, but the title is resonates today. Depending on one’s circumstances (or one’s mood or state of mental health) the world sometimes feels like an unsafe place. There is some scriptural evidence to back this up. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
When you hear his low growls or feel the earth around you shake under his paws, then Psalm 27 is your go to. “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid….For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling and set me high upon a rock.”
In Christ you have already crossed to safety. That is true for today, tomorrow, and forever.
“Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (A Collect for Grace - BCP p.100)
