Psalm 46

It's not often that I talk only of my faith. Not because I'm embarrassed or feel silly to believe, but more that I'm am acutely aware of how some faith groups have behaved badly as a whole or that individual people within churches have...well.. been idiots.

And while it's possible I may have been a faith idiot a time or two... and I really seriously hope not, I do believe that most of the Christians I know are wonderful and lovely. Human. Flawed. Messy. Broken. Real. Kind. Generous.

But even more than who the people are, is the God they serve. It's maybe a foreign concept for some, especially in a world that suggests we serve ourselves. Having a faith in Jesus, doesn't buy a free pass to everlasting happiness, in fact, some would argue it's the opposite. But what I believe is that it's only through Jesus we can find true contentment in the midst of our chaos.

Preaching aside, what I really want to share is that in the midst of our family struggles, I lean on Jesus. He is my rock. And for that I'm grateful.

So today, as I deal with kids fighting, ADHD meltdowns, disgusting Gluten Free recipes, living with cancer, grumpy teenagers, grocery shopping, laundry... all of it... I am at peace. Because in all things, I am strong, not on my own, but because of Jesus.

And I wanted to share Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever present help in trouble.

Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though it's waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see what the Lord has done,

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease

to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

He says "Be still and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

This morning, I find comfort in these words. So I wanted to share.

*Disclaimer: While I'm not worried about offending anyone... if you struggle to understand these words and are confused or curious... I am conveniently married to a Pastor who reads this stuff for a living... he can help.