There was a time in my life when I despaired. A loved one was in serious trouble. Each day felt uncertain, each hour changeable. Tears were the most consistent thing of the day. Tears were like my food, day and night. I was like that deer, aching for the presence of God. I was almost out of breath with longing to know that God was near and that I was not alone; a primal longing for the God of the universe to be close to me in my grief. I knew God was with me and with us. But

As we approach Advent, many of us are experiencing a mixture of emotions. Some are excited, but many are fearful of the future, grieving losses of relationships and special loved ones. Some of us are facing very challenging circumstances and/or are suffering and in deep emotional and/or physical pain. We may feel desolate, disappointed, and disillusioned. We reach out for help, but people are unavailable or dismissive. Against the backdrop of the exciting news of the Savior,

Have you ever felt that God has forsaken you? The first two verses of Psalm 22 are a cry of utter despair, expressing this very feeling.

It is hard to believe that this week will mark four years since our country was locked down for a global pandemic.

A Lent Reflection for Sunday, March 3 by Rev. Emily Wickstrom Lectionary reading for 03/03/2024: Exodus 20:1-17 • Psalm 19 • 1...