Today’s Author: Steve Sveom
One of the times I felt the loneliest in my life was in a room full of people. A neighboring pastor faced an unexpected emergency and asked me to preside at a wedding for him. It was held at a reception venue where the wedding would take place followed immediately by the reception involving 150-200 people. I only met the couple for a very brief time and was acquainted with no one else at the wedding. I presided at the wedding and thought I should “hang out” for a while after the ceremony. The couple, whom I had barely met, were the only people I had spoken to and they were busy greeting guests. An unknown pastor in clerical collar, is not in high demand for people at a wedding reception except for the one who has had too much to drink and wants to unload. So, in a room full of people, I felt alone.
Our Sunday scripture reading, from Exodus 2, 3 and 4, tells of God’s people groaning in slavery – certainly, much greater suffering than loneliness in a crowded room. But the reading tells of their groans rising up to God. Chapter 2 notes “God heard their groaning and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them.” I am drawn to the words “God took notice of them.”
What circumstances might cause you to groan? During this time of continue social distancing and precautions, are you feeling any loneliness or isolation? We have this promise, God takes notice of us. We may not always “feel” it, but we have the promise of Jesus – “I am with you always.” No matter what our groanings may be, we can take refuge in these words. Thanks be to God.
Prayer:
Always present God, thank you for hearing our groanings. Thank you for taking notice of us and blessing us with your attention to our deepest needs. Amen.
“Mid-week devotions are authored by members of our community. If you are interested in creating a trio of reflections to be shared on an upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday contact Pastor Peter.“