Psalm 89[a]
A maskil[b] of Ethan the Ezrahite.
1 I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
through all generations.
2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
3 You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant,
4 ‘I will establish your line forever
and make your throne firm through all generations.’”[c]
5 The heavens praise your wonders, Lord,
your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
6 For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?
Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?
7 In the council of the holy onesGod is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.
8 Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
9 You rule over the surging sea;
when its waves mount up, you still them.
10 You crushed Rahab like one of the slain;
with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.
11 The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
you founded the world and all that is in it.
12 You created the north and the south;
Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.
13 Your arm is endowed with power;
your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.
15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
16 They rejoice in your name all day long;
they celebrate your righteousness.
17 For you are their glory and strength,
and by your favor you exalt our horn.[d]
18 Indeed, our shield[e] belongs to the Lord,
our king to the Holy One of Israel.
Wednesday, September 9 from PC(USA) Mission Age cy, Season of Peace
Peace Within
Accepting Hope
Elder Susan B. Orr
1 Timothy 4:10
“For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the
Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”
Reflection: On Epiphany this year, I was given my first “Star Word” by a Facebook friend. The
premise is this: the magi followed the star to find baby Jesus, bringing their gifts. We too seek
Jesus, trusting that the Spirit can and does use many signs (stars) to guide us closer to God. A
“star word,” then, gives us one principle or goal to focus on throughout the year.
I was intrigued by the thought of having a guiding star word for 2020, and imagined how that
might help me to focus on an aspect of our spiritual calling. I waited with anticipation for my FB
friend to send me my word. I envisioned that the word might be kindness, joy, love, serve — you
know, good churchy words. And then my word arrived: “Acceptance.” Huh? What kind of word
is that? I was kind of grumbly about the whole thing, but I still propped that purple “Acceptance”
star right next to my computer.
As the days and months unfolded and the Covid-19 pandemic made its unwelcome appearance, my carefully planned life began to unravel with cancellations of work-related opportunities and
anticipated travel, and with separation from my loved ones. With each personal disappointment,
my eye would rest upon my star word, encouraging me to take a deep breath, exhale and accept.
As the news around the world revealed the pain and suffering caused by this new coronavirus, I
struggled to accept the unknown science that couldn’t define why, when or how we would make
it through. Yet even through the shadow of this valley of the pandemic, acts of kindness, care,
creativity and ingenuity continually shone a light on our ability to thrive as a people through
those extraordinarily difficult days.
Acceptance is not a flashy word. But sometimes, acceptance of the things we cannot change is
essential to finding a path forward and doing the healing work that we are called to do. Although
I did not want to hear it, that star word came at the right time to teach me that, although we toil
and struggle, our hope is set on the living God who is the Savior of all people. I can accept that.
2020
Practice for Peacemakers: Today, if there is a time when you are feeling overwhelmed or not in
control, take a moment to breathe in deeply, exhale, and accept. Hear these words: “You are
God’s beloved child.” Then, see if you can approach the issue with new strength and focus.
Prayer: Gracious, loving and faithful God, we are grateful for the guidance you provide us as we
live our ordinary lives. Pour your power over us. Let it wash us, renew us and enable us to
discern your will, that “thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” Grant us wisdom and
courage — and, when we need it, acceptance — as we face this hour and the next. Amen.
Susan B. Orr serves as acting presbytery leader for the Presbytery of Genesee Valley and presbytery leader for the Presbytery of Geneva. She will be co-directing the Mosaic of Peace program in