“Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” -Psalm 124:8

Dear Saints, What do you see in the news? Natural disasters, violence, injustice, depravity? It’s scary out there. It’s scary to witness the violence and abuse human beings perpetrate against one another. It’s scary to face natural disasters out of our control. It can make us feel very small and even helpless. Mr. Rodgers is famously remembered as saying,“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” The truth of life on earth is that we’ll always encounter things outside our control. But the hope is that in the midst of it all, we will be able to find the helpers.

In the case of natural disasters, the helpers come in the form of helpful neighbors, first responders and cleanup crews. In the wake of violence, helpers are medical professionals and peacekeepers. In the face of injustice, helpers can come in the form of advocates, counselor and councilors. When lives are broken, helpers come in to help pick up the pieces. Where do you see helpers making a difference in scary situations? Who helps you? Who helps your neighbor?

Sometimes we need helpers. Sometimes we are the helpers. But all the time, we need God. Psalm 124 says our help comes “in the name of the Lord.” That means that when we’re in need, helpers are a gift from God. And when others are in need, we are sent out in the name of the Lord. And throughout it all, we rely on God. We rely on God’s strength to inspire us and lift us up. We turn to God in prayer for the help we need. God is the help when we don’t know where to turn – always there, always available.

Life these days can be scary. Look for the helpers. And keep in touch with God in whose name we find our help. Pray without ceasing; we do not walk this way alone.

+ Pastor Ginger +