Pastor Emily Blair’s Meditation
“David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.” — 2 Samuel 22:1-3 NRSV
David spoke these words after the Lord had delivered him from his enemies. This was after a long season of long hard battles between King David and his enemies, who were many. After these battles were over, King David rejoiced and gave thanks to the Lord. He knew that his victory was not because of his own power or his own will but that the Lord was his rock and deliverer. He entered into thanksgiving because he knew that it is only by God’s grace that he remained and his enemies did not kill him.
As I reflect on my first appointment, I can see that I am here only because God was my rock and my refuge. I was thankful when I was moved because it was for the goodness of my vocation and life that I left. I have other seasons in my life that I look back on and know that it is only by God’s grace that I made it through. Days and nights where I couldn’t do anything but hope and pray that the Lord was there with me.
I wonder what those seasons are for you. Maybe after the death of a loved one. Or the loss of a career. Or the health diagnosis. Or financial concerns. Whatever the grief you have felt or are currently feeling, I hope that even in those difficult circumstances that you know that the Lord is your rock, your shield, and your refuge. It is easy to say to one other in good times that God is good. And it is harder to look at each other and point at the pain and say this can be a window into thanksgiving.
I do not mean this is a toxic positivity kind of way. Rather, I mean that truth-telling about our circumstances can be refreshing and can be a window into thanksgiving to the Lord who is our rock, our shield, and our refuge. This holiday season—whether you are feeling thankful or not—know there is always something to be thankful for. Even if it is the air in our lungs, or the trees changing color, or having what we need. Or simply it is the knowledge that the Lord is here and that he is our rock, our shield, and our refuge.
Hanging of the Greens evening is planned for Wednesday, November 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Please come out and help prepare our church for the Christmas season. There are many ways to help, and we welcome young and old helping hands! Poinsettias will decorate the church each Sunday and Christmas Eve during December.
If you would like to purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory of someone, please contact Rose McLaughlin at the church office or Janice Raper by Tuesday, November 28 so that the tribute information may be included in the bulletin. The poinsettias are $16 each and will be wrapped in green paper with a red bow. The poinsettias will be delivered November 30 and used beginning Sunday, December 3.
Rose: 252-531-7539 or calvarymemorialumc@yahoo.com
Janice 252-747-3134 or 919-440-6822