September 11, 2018
Psalm 116:1-5 …“The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.” vs. 3
9/11 is one of those dates that will live in infamy. Most of us can remember what we were doing when the Twin Towers were struck. As we gathered around our TV sets, the skies emptied and our whole country went on alert. This was a tragedy beyond our experience and it shattered our myth of invincibility. That evening the doors of churches were opened and people of all faiths gathered to pray. It seemed like every congregation had a member or two that was personally affected. The next Sunday attendance at worship spiked across the land as people came together to hear words of hope. The snares of death had encompassed us and like the psalmist, we turned to faith for answers. Where was God when the towers fell? Certainly God was not absent. God never abandons us when distress and anguish come close. Rather, God was there in the midst of the smoke and fire, giving hope and assistance to victims, courage and strength to first responders. God was there in the selfless compassion of aid workers and in the prayers of people of faith. These are the moments that force us to our knees and rekindle our hunger for God. May we never forget that on September 11, 2001 our country came together, and God brought a fleeting moment of unity and hope.
Thought for the Day: Why do tragedies initially bind us together?
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