Reading Genesis 11 we read about the sons of Noah and their descendants; the scattering of people to spread over the whole Earth. We’re introduced to Abram who becomes the man of faith. So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you. So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Galatians 3:6-9.

Looking back at my timeline at the very beginning of my Bible, Abraham born 2166. Scripture foresaw. After a weekend Zoom Spiritual Retreat, living in 2022 A.D., I can’t help but wonder where I fit in this ongoing history of us.

I keep thinking about the prophet Elijah (around 875 B.C.) who was tasked with speaking truth to Ahab, the most evil King of Israel. He had confronted Israel with their idol worship and God worked powerfully in him as he obeyed God. Can you imagine what that would have been like? When Ahab’s wife put a death sentence on Elijah, he ran for his life. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” I Kings 19:9. Elijah recites a litany of woes and dejection. My favorite part: The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. v. 11-12.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10. What is my part in this ongoing history of us? What has it been for everyone? Be still. When Jesus walked this Earth, he often sought solitude and silence to be with the Father. He found strength in that silence and communion with God the Father.

Sometimes when I’m in prayer I can become overwhelmed with the hate in people’s hearts so blatantly on display in this our time of history. He reminds me He guides our hearts to know Him; be open to the beauty He made that is everywhere; that each person is unique and be glad – see His love for them. He renews my hope.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1. My help comes from the Lord and in His Presence I am encouraged. He speaks to me in the quiet stillness when I am present with Him. My goal this day is to be with Him noticing the beautiful moments that sprinkle themselves throughout my day if I’m aware…the color of the sunshine on the floor; the sound of birdsong; feeling His nudges of truth as I talk with Him; appreciating the cool air in the midst of Texas summer heat; appreciating cool water at the turning of the tap; appreciating conversation with my husband who is always there for me….blessings all not to be taken for granted but appreciated and given thanks for to the God who created everything that is including me and you…in this our timeline of God’s creation.

It is as I take His hand that He leads me and as I seek the reassuring Presence of His love, I find joy. God is my joy. I pray that for you.