9/11 devotion - Always Remember - Psalm 30:2

Psalm 30:2                  O LORD, my God, I cried to You for help, and You have healed me.

I always find 9/11 difficult. I grieve the world that we once knew, and tragically lost on that day of infamy. All of our lives have changed and nothing is as it was before. 9/11 altered everything and no matter how many times people or politicians say that we need to carry on just as we once did, we cannot ever go back to a pre-9/11 existence.

I usually start this day quietly and think about the past. At some point I go to visit the graveyard next to my daughters’ High School. Some wonderful church friends are buried there, including one who died on 9/11.

It was nice and quiet this morning as I walked on the dew covered grass next to the gravestones. I thanked God for the people I had known whose names are carved on the headstones. It was both a very realistic and surrealistic moment in time, where reality and eternity meshed together. I came away smiling because of the fond memories that I inwardly recollected. And I reminded myself, yet again, to bring some flowers next year.

They say that time heals, but really what they mean is that eventually some experiences from the past grow distant like waves retreating from the shore. Despite this, I know that I shall see those dear friends again in His Garden. My soul is at peace with that wonderful thought.

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, on this fateful day, draw to near to us who remember the world as it once was. Walk with us as we go down hallowed and fearful paths. Heal our memories and grant peace to our weary souls. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and quietly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a question about today’s message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is John’s 9-11 drawing for this year. It’s called “Always Remember.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9725769218_18af60e748_b.jpg