21^st Century Life abounds with danger and dread.

There are wars and rumors of war.

There are plagues real and imagined.

There’s the battle against principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places.

And then there’s just whatever is happening on the L Train.

The other day, I walked out the door of my apartment building at the same time as a woman, and her small child, I believe, her daughter.

I held the door for them, and the pipsqueak reached out and said “thank you!” She was holding a toy car in each hand, and she almost looked like she was going to offer me one. It was a very big gesture from a very small person

When we got to the curb, there was suddenly a loud bang, which did not sound good.

Mom and I immediately wheeled around to see a car drive over a plastic bottle.

Mom looked at me with eyes big, already starting to melt in relief.

She said “That sounded like something else.”

And I raised my eyebrows, because I had the same thought.

And then, from the three-foot level, came: “It sounded like a firecracker!”

And I looked at Mom, and said “let’s go with that.”

And I praised God for parental protection, three-foot courtesy, matchbox gratitude, and firecracker faith.

That is myprayer for us today as we face dangers seen and unseen: protection, gratitude, courtesy, and faith.

May we allow God to guide us toward provision and away from harm.

May our gratitude radiate His Glory.

May we feel safe enough to be kind.

May we approach Him in confident faith.

I pray, beloved, for your peace in the storm

May the literal, figurative, and symbolic explosions around you turn out to be plastic bottles and not weapons of war.

May the angels surrounding you carry the knowledge of danger you never see.

Psalm 91:1-2 NIV says “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

May we receive shelter today.

Psalm 121:7-8 NIV says “⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; ⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

May we receive protection today.

Psalm 46:1-3 NIV says “¹ God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.^[“

May we know peace in the battles we’re fighting.

Joshua 1:9 ESV says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

May we find courage for the battles to come.

Traveling mercies, beloved.

See you at the fireworks.

(Photo Credit: Anna Louise)