3 min 01 sec: app reading time

January 8, 2025

GOD, SAVE US FROM APOCALYPTIC THOUGHTS! 

Dear Friend:

This poem spoke to me today as I think of the many who have lost their homes, as well as firefighters exposing their lives to save others. We still don't have a count on how many lost their lives. 

The words of this poem spoke to me because I grew up with the fear of the apocalypse. It was wired in my psyche by the religious constructs of my denomination, the Seeventh-day Adventist Christian tradition. I treasure my past and the gems that guided my life during those years. I regret nothing. I chose to evolve. 

It was during the second half of my life that I caught a vision greater than "Christian salvation" and the "end times." I was "saved from salvation" and freed to experience God and love i n a total different manner. I caught the presence of God in my inner consciousness beyond religion as I walked into the open landscape of God's love. Fear evaporated forever! 

Many posted on social media, “Pray for Los Angeles” in these last two days. I did pray! I prayed for people. Two of my close friend lost their homes to the fire. I am all for prayer. It just sounded as empty as the requests for prayer when a shooting takes place in a location. Prayers loaded with a sense of helplessness, emotions of anxiety which are human, yet neve beyond God's presence as we walk through the dark valleys of life.  

Prayer will not undo the damage caused by the fire. Prayer will not clear the air. Prayer will not slow climate change in the near future, nor move God into action. 

Prayer is for us as we journey through the “dark nights of the soul.” (St. John of the Cross) 

Prayer is to remind us God is with us now, today, as God has always been on a journey with humanity. God is closer to us when we suffer and experience God's silence. 

Here are the words of this prayer: 

"God helps us to differentiate between flames of destruction

and the fire we long to ignite in our inner consciousness now.

Amen.

Our God and God of our fathers and mothers,
As the flames burn, wreaking havoc upon our forests, our homes,
our firefighters, our sense of security,
We turn to You for comfort and support.
Help us to differentiate between flames of destruction
and light that shows us Your way.

We know that flames can destroy.

Keep us far from apocalyptic thoughts,
for we know that You ask us to care for this world,
an awesome responsibility.

We also know that we can seek You in the flames.
In a burning bush, You spoke to Moses, sending him to lead your people out of slavery,
In a pillar of fire, You led your people through the wilderness to the Promised Land,

Be with us now, these smoke and fire-filled days.
Draw us close to those harmed by these flames, hearing their cries, responding to their needs.

Lead us to support those who fight the fires, care for the displaced, and bring healing to those suffering.
Though our attention spans seem so short, may we be slow to forget those in danger."

— adapted from a prayer by Rabbi Paul Kipnes (Rabbi Kipnes is the spiritual leader of “Congregation Or Ami” in Calabasas, California.

Amen 

The promise given to Joshua at a critical time is still valid for us now. No matter what, God will never walk away from us. It's not abour feelings or emotions, but a state of mind that "trusts" God beyond certainty, beyond what we see and experience. 

Take this message and make you yours. I did personally! 

"Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give it a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there next to you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (Deutoronomy 31:6-"Life Center Message") 

With you on your journey,

Pastor Harold