Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God, however that may take place.

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Read

Psalm 91:1-6 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,

will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”

For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;

he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

You will not fear the terror of the night,
or the arrow that flies by day,

or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

Psalm 91:14-16 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Those who love me, I will deliver;
I will protect those who know my name.

When they call to me, I will answer them;
I will be with them in trouble,
I will rescue them and honor them.

With long life I will satisfy them,
and show them my salvation.

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Reflect

There are many seasons in life. Summer is changing to Fall in Tennessee. American football keeps Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays full. Schools are back in session and will soon begin Fall Break schedules. Days keep getting shorter and shorter. Soon some of us will change the clocks and it will be dark by 5:00 PM.

Evenings can be especially difficult for people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease or any form of dementia. It is a strange phenomenon to experience the agitation and anxiety that comes over such a patient. The syndrome is more commonly known as sundowners. When it begins to get dark most everyone has a little bit of at least healthy respect for the dark. Some become quite terrified.

Change can be terrifying. I am hoping that whatever is terrifying for each of us, we find comfort in the 91st Psalm as we are reminded that God is our refuge and strength. We are covered in the shelter of the Most High, and the Shadow of the Almighty. We don’t even have to be brought in super close, just even in the shadow of the Almighty is where we can be protected, cared for and comforted.

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Pray

Almighty, Most High God,
We are so grateful that you are our refuge and strength! We love that you will be our shelter too and that we can find rest in you. Thank you. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life – that seems to be getting faster and more full of things that have to be done, thank you for this gentle and loving reminder of your gentle love and care! Amen

Go with God!