Many of our Old Testament books were written during a time of Exile. The Israelites were no strangers to difficult times. Even in their times of peace and prosperity they were acutely aware of the fragility of security. They knew what it meant to wander in the wilderness with nothing but their prayers and the provisions of God. They knew what it meant to live in Exile, conquered and removed from their homeland. They knew what it meant to live as slaves, crushed by the greed of those who had conquered them. And yet.

They knew what it meant to love the Lord their God and to love their neighbors despite the circumstances of life. They knew how to raise their voices to proclaim God’s goodness in the midst of crisis and despair. They are our spiritual ancestors- May their anthem rise in your soul today as we proclaim that God is our refuge and our strength.

Peace be with you all. 💚🙏

-Pastor Kelsay