As I read today’s scripture, the 1st reading seems somewhat contradictory– it was revealing that the Assyrians were used as a tool against an impious nation . . .  and against a people under my wrath.  Yet, there is clearly a concern with the outcome of this and the arrogance of the Assyrians as they boasted . . . By my own power I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am shrewd. I have moved the boundaries of peoples, their treasures I have pillaged . . . .  While I will willingly admit that I do not fully understand these passages, my take-away is that God’s actions and interventions are not always direct.  Rather many times there are messengers or interveners in our lives who are “sent” by God.  It appears that these messengers can provide welcome insight or gifts or, as seen with the Assyrians, deliver not so positive experiences.

What resonated most with me in today’s readings, however, is the responsorial psalm response: The Lord will not abandon His people. This concept of the Lord always being there is something that has been ingrained in me since childhood.  I must have heard it in these words or some variation at least a thousand times growing up.  I am thankful for having heard this and truly felt it so many times.  While there are times when the presence of God/Jesus/Holy spirit are truly palpable and provide immense comfort, more often I feel the presence and reality of God in the sounds and sights and those around me.  Not unlike the messengers in the Old Testament scripture above, I am blessed to experience many interveners.  These are the people who see you feeling down and reach out with a word, a touch, a hug that let’s you know that you are not alone.  Times when I feel soul weary – I feel the Divine presence in the flowers, rainbows and, no surprise to anyone, music.

I am always amazed at the timing of these experiences – there is no way that I can imagine that any of this is coincidental.  The Divine Plan of my live is certainly unknown to me, yet I know without a doubt that I will never be alone.  There is no way that I will be abandoned.  I think about my own children and how I (with my human shortcomings) would never turn my back on them – I know that my Father will never leave me, no matter what my behavior or thoughts. A lyric that has touched my heart is: Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. What a soul-filling concept to keep echoing in my head!!

I don’t remember the source of this, but it has been part of my email signature for years and says it all:

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD
Painful moments, TRUST GOD
Every moment, THANK GOD

There are so many beautiful songs to acknowledge that we never walk alone.  This is a new favorite of mine:   Another in the Fire