The heavens and the earth quake,
but the LORD is a refuge to his people
Joel 4:16
Fall is arriving, little by little and slowly for us in the Bay area, but there at least is a drop in humidity. I watch these wildfires in California, and I think the earth really is groaning and shaking. In today's first reading from the book of Joel, we see that God continues to tell us in these verses that yes, trials will come and go, but that if we choose to follow Him, we can seek refuge in Him. When anxious thoughts creep into our minds, let us seek consolation in Christ. We choose to follow our God of love and mercy, or we choose to "go it alone" and try and decide for ourselves what is the best way to live out our lives. Let us live for today at this moment, and not just at the end of our lives, or when trials arrive. We can ask God for the consolation and peace that comes with knowing we are made for so much more than to be anxious and worried about what may or may not happen, and that He is with us through it all.
As we plan for the holidays, let us remember to keep in our prayers the many people who are still trying to piece their lives together and just get by day to day. Thanksgiving is over a month away so there is time to plan ahead and see where we can help, either in the community, or among our families.
