In a Time of Deep Distress--Jan. 20, 2017

You are not a God of darkness and chaos, dear Lord;

in our time of darkness, of mighty rushing waters,

do you not care that we may be about to perish?

And you answer, "Peace, be still. With me

there is no partiality.  All of you

have the same Master in heaven. 

Even in your distress, the mighty

waters shall not overcome you."

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 130; 148; 32; 139

Isa. 45:18-25

Eph. 6:1-9

Mark 4:35-41

Selected Verses

Ps. 32:6

Therefore let all who are faithful
          offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
          shall not reach them. 

Isa. 45:19

 I did not speak in secret,
          in a land of darkness;
I did not say to the offspring of Jacob,
          "Seek me in chaos."
I the LORD speak the truth,
          I declare what is right.

Eph. 6:9

And, masters, do the same to [your slaves].  Stop threatening them, for you know that both of you have the same Master in heaven, and with him there is no partiality.

Mark 4:38-39

But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”  He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!”  Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.