There was no place my soul could turn on Monday night, as I
watched, with millions, news of the Boston Marathon bombings. Like you, I
reviewed who I knew was running in the event; and I reviewed my friends who
live in Boston. Were they okay? What happened?
I went to sleep uneasily. As the days go by, we will hear
more reports of sadness and despair. We will hear speculation about the
perpetrator. Perhaps we may even hear news of an arrest. But the shock of
Monday’s events, “Patriots Day” in Boston, will stay with us.
My soul is in shock after the bombings, as it has been in
shock before. During those times, I turn to friends, of course. But I also turn
to the psalms, those verses which seem to know my soul at every turn. May they
bring us comfort, or at least a bit of companionship, during these times of
distress.
Here is Psalm 46, whose verse 6 is my prayer: “God is in the
midst of her the city of God; she shall not be overthrown. God shall help her
at the break of day.” May morning come again for the city of Boston, and for
all of us who trust in God.
Psalm 46
1 God is our
refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we
will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the
sea;
3 Though its
waters rage and foam, *
and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.
4 The LORD of
hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
5 There is a
river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
the holy habitation of the Most High.
6 God is in
the midst of her;
she shall not be overthrown; *
God shall help her at the break of day.
7 The nations
make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.
8 The LORD of
hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
9 Come now and
look upon the works of the LORD, *
what awesome things he has done on earth.
10 It is he who
makes war to cease in all the world; *
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear,
and burns the shields with fire.
11 "Be
still, then, and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth."
12 The LORD of
hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
