God is Wide Awake

Three to four days a week I start my work day in an online writing group that I’ve been part of since Covid pandemic days. This group of colleagues got me through a book proposal, book, academic articles, popular articles, sermons, newsletter articles, and many Thursday’s Thoughts. Some days I am convinced I have nothing to put on paper. Two pieces of wisdom the group leader regularly returns to are to “touch the project every day” and the reminder that we get big projects done through smaller manageable steps.

Writer Anne Lamott has a book on manageable writing steps called Bird by Bird. The title of her book came from her father’s encouragement to her brother when he had to tackle an overwhelming report on birds in elementary school: “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.”

I can empathize with Lamott’s brother, particularly in these past few weeks as I’ve found myself whiplashed between serving in the Dominican Republic and in Cranston, and between all the many, many pressing needs that have found their way seemingly abruptly to our doorsteps. How do I best live out my faith in this world when it seems like all corners of the world need something from me right now?

Bird by bird.

Day by day.

Moment by moment.

Breath by breath. 

Preaching through the book of Revelation last summer reminded me of some very important truths. First, oppressive empires never win in the end - only the God of grace and mercy does. Second, oppressive empire can harm along the way - but we are still called to faithfully walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace. Revelation 17:14 reminds us that it is a slaughtered lamb that wins the ultimate cosmic battle and that as we walk alongside that lamb we are “called and chosen and faithful.” 

Friends, as we navigate these unprecedented times, times that continuously ask of us the work of Matthew 25 (to be life-giving community to the “least of these”), we are not alone. The Lamb always walks by our side. And so, as we walk through these days breath by breath, may we always remember that the God who created this world remains faithful. We just need to touch the project every day and take it piece-by-piece. 

This week, if you find yourself in a place of overwhelm, I encourage you to remember the words of Psalm 121 and to remember that God is wide awake.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
   from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
   who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
   he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel
   will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
   the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
   nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;
   he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
   your going out and your coming in
   from this time on and for evermore. 

Blessings,

Pastor Amy