It is a beautiful Monday morning as I reflect on the service on Sunday. It truly was a rollercoaster week for many of us and you may still be experiencing uncertainty and anxiety. To that I say: Take extra care of yourself. And as Julian of Norwich says in her famous quote: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”
The message on Sunday was bringing the series Mighty is the Soaring Spirit to a close with the talk “If I Take the Wings of the Morning,” which comes from Psalm 139:9-10.
If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me.
These verses, when examined closely, reveals rich layers of meaning and offers a deeply spiritual reflection on the omnipresence and omnipotence of the divine.
This Psalm is attributed to King David. It delves into themes of God’s intimate knowledge of humanity, Its omnipresence, and Its unceasing guidance. The psalmist marvels at God’s ability to see into the innermost parts of our being, Its presence in every corner of the earth, and Its hand that guides and protects.
The “wings of the morning” can be interpreted as the speed and expansiveness of light itself. Morning light travels from the east to the west, touching every part of the earth. This metaphor encapsulates God’s presence, which, like light, reaches everywhere instantaneously. It speaks to the impossibility of fleeing from God’s presence and the futility of attempting to hide from Its omniscience.
This reassurance is a vital antidote to the anxiety stemming from unpredictability. Each morning brings with it new challenges and opportunities. As we navigate through these, the scripture reminds us that we are not alone.
The assurance that “Your hand shall lead me” signifies that there is a higher power steering our paths, guiding us through the uncertainties with wisdom and compassion. This belief can be a powerful source of comfort, grounding us in the notion that our journey, no matter how tumultuous, is underpinned by divine direction.
In conclusion, the application of Psalm 139:9-10 to the current uncertainty and anxiety in our country is both a personal and collective journey. It calls on us to embrace faith, find strength in divine guidance, and act with compassion and purpose. By doing so, we can navigate these turbulent times with hope and resilience, knowing that we are upheld by a power greater than ourselves.
As we move forward, let us hold onto this faith, supporting one another and trusting in the divine plan that leads us toward a brighter future.
Our affirmation:
God, I will take the wings of the morning in faith, for I know you are the wind beneath my wings.
If you missed the service, you can watch it here.
A reminder that you will not want to miss any of the offerings this weekend with Mary Reed. She will be helping us to ground into the knowing that the best is yet to come. Her wisdom and guidance from the group Consensus will surely be a gift as we move forward to the end of 2024 and embark on 2025.
Know that you are so very loved and appreciated.
You are a blessing in my life,
Rev. Patricia Bessey
