Chaos is messy, dangerous, and loud. God is beautiful, peaceful, and compassionate. Earth’s trembling cannot budge God’s settled love and care for those who belong to him. 

This truth is good to recall when we see and hear news reports today of stupid people doing stupid things. It is worth remembering when it sounds like evil is gaining the upper hand.

This passage stands in firm solidarity with Psalm 46.

These words of truth and life point toward the cross, the resurrection, the ascension, and Pentecost. 

These promises endure forever. 

For as long as anything is, the core truth of the universe and everything beyond is God’s unfailing love, mercy, and compassion. Because of his settled nature and amazing grace, we can know peace even when there seems to be no peace. 

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I will let the peace of God reign in my life. 

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Our Father, every foundation stone but you is shaking now. Shaky are the halls of justice and learning. Shaky are those who redefine truth and debate its reality. People are looking for someplace firm to stand. They are looking for something to give them confidence and hope. Draw them to yourself. May they see you for who you are. May they experience your love, peace, and compassion. May they pass it along to their shaky families, neighbors, friends, and coworkers. Amen.