September 21: Finding Safety

“If God is for us, who is against us?” - Romans 8:31

During the summer my husband, two children and I enjoy going canoeing at local lakes.  We pack up our canoe, maybe some snacks and often our fishing gear.  Once on the lake we rely on a few things to stay safe.  There's the pontoon attached to the side of the canoe that provides stability.  There are the life jackets that ensure security.  There's the whistle for getting others' attention in the case of an emergency.  We also do our best to move slowly, pay attention to each other and watch where we are going.  It takes a little of everything, the safety of the canoe and the safety of our actions, to make sure we don't fall out of the canoe or flip it over.

Life is similar in that we need safety, to feel safe and be safe.  It is created through our actions and through the presence of God.  Both are needed.  Both are possible.  Both will help during those moments when the waters get rough.  For it is true, God is rooting for us and does desire for us to be safe, whether we are in the middle of a lake, walking down the street or going to school.  God is for us.

God, we pray we may know you are there for us no matter what we face, helping us to find safety.  Amen.

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Rev. Alicia Speidel serves as minister at Hood River Valley Christian Church in Hood River, Oregon. She enjoys spending time with family, camping, fishing and playing games.
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Our 2016 prayer vigil theme is Helping Our Children Heal from Violence. For more resources visit  disciplesjustice4children.org and docfamiliesandchildren.org.