So how was your summer this year? Did you take everything in stride? Roll with the punches so to speak? If so, you’re a better person than I am!
Seriously though, if you’re like most people I know, you’ve got major stresses going on in your life right now. We see it all around us. The death of loved ones — sometimes sudden, sometimes long and drawn out. Financial worries — job loss, stock market dips, gas prices, school and sports expenses. Busy schedules as you rush about to meet appointments and accomplish tasks on time. It seems that no matter where we turn, we just can’t get away from it! And if you’re like most people, your response to all this is either denial or just hunker down and get through the immediate need.
In the middle of all this worry and frustration that our modern life brings us there’s a very appropriate verse from Psalms I’d like to share with you. It’s one that I’m constantly going back to. “Be still, and know that I AM God.”  

In the 3rd chapter of Ephesians, St. Paul tells us that all things are possible with God’s help. He is the source of our strength and our hope. I think sometimes one of the reasons God allows these fretful moments and tragedies to come to us is to demonstrate that we need him on our side daily — for comfort, guidance and strength.
It’s just too easy to become overwhelmed if we follow our instincts to “go it alone.”
So, do you seek him out in daily prayer and devotion, especially in times of grief and stress? Martin Luther was quoted as saying, “I spend one hour every morning in prayer, except on days when I’m very busy. Then I spend two hours.”
Be still, and know I AM God. That’s his advice to you and me. Let’s take that advice and develop a deeper relationship with the one who loves us most and best. Seek him out where he has promised to be found, and he will comfort you.

Pastor Peter Spallek previously served Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church in Page from 2007 to 2016. Now in retirement he remains active at his church in Tempe, is actively involved in the Lutheran Ministry at Arizona State University and fills in on Sundays at churches in the Mesa/Tempe area. He and his wife, Christina, return to Page each month to lead worship services.