The promise and presence of God

The promise and presence of God

February 21

Readings – GN 9:8-15; 1 PT 3:18-22; MK 1:12-15

In today’s readings, the stories of Noah and Jesus are linked.

We encounter Noah after the 40 day flood emerging to start a new life with a promise and the presence of God.  Then in the gospel, we encounter Jesus who was tested in the desert for 40 days who himself will emerge with a promise and presence.

This promise and presence are ours as well as we embark on our Lenten journey.

No doubt we will have moments along the way (and in life in general) where we will second-guess, doubt, lose heart or wonder if we’re on the right path.  Maybe you are in a place like that right now. 

Surely Noah and Jesus must have wondered the same during their times of trial. Maybe they wondered if they could get through what they were facing.  Maybe they felt really alone.  Maybe they judged themselves for being foolish for believing in God’s promises.  Maybe they were filled with self-doubt.

Anytime we head into the wilderness and uncharted territory, there will be uncertainty.  Yet we hear today that God is with us and will not leave us.  Say that back again slowly, “God is with us and will not leave us – no matter what we are going through.”

During this Lenten time, part of what we must “repent” from is the belief that we are insignificant, have no role to play in the world or are not cared for by God.  We are not forgotten, and God loves each one of us and means for us to share in that covenant.  Try to spend some today just being with God and remembering that God loves you and has a plan for you – even if it is not readily visible or understood right now. 

13 Comments

    Dianne & Michael Curry

    Thank you, Mike for this message of reassurance. We appreciate your words and work!

    Francene C McCarthy

    Thanks again, Mike, for your spiritual insight. Lent is a time of searching for me, a time to seek God’s will or plan for me. Thank you for giving the spiritual perspective. God Bless.

    Sue Spoonhower

    Thank you so much, Mike, for your daily posts. I was struggling this year to find my practice for Lent. Between the Covid lifestyle and my increasing physical limitations due to my MS, my “real life” activities are pretty limited. Going deeper into my own spiritual life is clearly my best choice. You are giving me daily direction and ways to reflect on Scripture; a daily practice for me!
    Paying attention today so I see the Angels in my life. I do receive support and signs; I am not alone, not unworthy. Again, I thank you for helping me to look. And you reminded me of a poem I love.
    Do you like Mary Oliver? Are you familiar with her poem “The World I Live In”? Her words “the world I live in, and believe in, is wider than that” and “Only if there are angels in your head will you ever, possibly, see one.” are in my mind now. As is Jesus’ presence and promise.

    Blessings to you and your family,
    Sue Spoonhower

      Mike Boucher Author

      Sue, thanks for your powerful reflection. I can imagine that the MS changes so many things and forces a redirection of energy – which I appreciate your speaking about. Please know that you are not alone, and I am glad that you are part of this online community. I LOVE Mary Oliver and go to her work quite often. Love those lines that you quote.

    Angela White

    It is important to remember & believe that we all our significant. Sometimes we do forget that we are all God’s creation & all of us matter in this world. During our meditations in this lenten season, it will be helpful to everyone to remember that God is with us, as He continues to reassure us of His continuous presence.

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