Psalm 94:17-23 (NRSV)

If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, "My foot is slipping," your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Can wicked rulers be allied with you, those who contrive mischief by statute? They band together against the life of the righteous, and condemn the innocent to death. But the LORD has become my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge. He will repay them for their iniquity and wipe them out for their wickedness; the LORD our God will wipe them out.

I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

- Psalm 91:2 (NIV)

MORE terrorist attacks planned." The words from the news report pierced my soul as I lit a candle and prepared to spend quiet time with God. I am a flight attendant for a major airline, and since September 11, 2001, I have been haunted by images of that day's terrorist attacks. Anxiety has consumed me.

I took comfort in knowing that God would never forsake me, but thinking of the free will of humans terrified me. I sat down to read my Bible. I prayed, "God, please protect my daughter, Maggie. Help me find peace within my tormented soul. Bring comfort to the families who lost loved ones in this atrocity." Then I opened my Bible and read Psalm 94:18-19: "When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." The verses swept over me like a loving embrace; an intense reassurance surrounded me. God was speaking to me. I cried tears of thanksgiving, for God had wrapped loving arms around me that night. Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed, I remember that experience and find solace within my heart.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for consoling our anxious hearts and for your calming presence in our lives. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

God holds us tenderly when we are afraid.

PRAYER FOCUS:

Airline employees