Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.

[Excerpted from “There Is Hope: Sacred Community Finds Divine Refuge in Christ” by Angela Ramirez, Mar/Apr 2025 Herald, pp. 17–19]

We live in a changing, fast-paced world. Sometimes, running might be the best option. Other times, stopping or turning back might be necessary. Trusting in God’s promises can be a good opportunity and a challenge.

One of these many promises is found in Psalms 91:9–10. This promise depends on making the Lord our dwelling place. A surrendered life, where we strive to make the best decision, allows us to walk peacefully along the path we call life.

We are reminded of Jesus’ time on earth—his birth, life, and death. We are reminded of the vulnerability of the human part of his nature. Each stage of life comes with great challenges, sometimes for individuals and sometimes for families around us. The Teacher’s time on Earth shows that we are pilgrims and foreigners, called to live wisely and orderly.

It also reminds us that as disciples we are bound to feel uncomfortable in the face of injustice, human-rights violations, a lack of empathy, and countless situations that do not align with God’s purpose.

Even amid all this, there is a sacred community, prophetic people raising their voices of hope for this challenging time. God’s protection has come to us and shown us that it will be with us every day.

There is hope for this generation!

Prayer Phrase

“Do not be afraid, for I am your God…” (Isaiah 41:10).

Voices of God

What is the voice of God saying to us? Do we hear the whispers of God’s longing for shalom; God’s dream of beauty and wholeness for all creation? Do we hear the “voice” of God calling to us in faces and eyes, in the sounds of suffering and joy, in scripture and sacred word, in tears and laughter, in silence and noise? Spend a few moments reflecting on when and how God’s voice speaks to you. When did you first feel called to join God in the pursuit of peace and justice? How does the call of shalom continue to come to you through the many “voices” of God?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.