When a Door Closes (03/09/2026)

This past weekend, I was notified that I could not use the biblical text site I have been using for my daily scripture reflection and prayer. So, I tried to find another site, but I kept running into copyright hurdles. I didn’t know what to do when this door closed, so I took it to prayer. I sat on my porch, closed my eyes, and prayed. And the Hebrew words of Psalm 121 filled my mind. And I realized the LORD just opened a window. Rather than relying on another’s translation of the texts, translate them myself because I can, having been trained in both Hebrew and Greek.

So, beginning today, I am shifting from using the reading of the day from the lectionary for liturgical celebrations to my own translations of texts from the Old and New Testament. I am also shifting from a lengthy text to short texts and using Lectio Divina for my reflection and prayer. I hope if you are not familiar with that daily option on this website, you will check it out. It is under the Scripture menu as “Daily Reflection and Prayer.” And today’s offering centers on the first two verses of Psalm 121.

Life presents many challenges to us all. I know that I am not the only one to have a door close, a possibility vanish, a familiar option taken off the table. Jesus reminded us often during his many sermons and conversations that our ever-present and all-loving Father cares about us and tends to us. May we on this journey always remember that when needs arise, when situations change, when we are lost and need direction or even to be “found,” that we can and should turn to our LORD.

Psalm 121 begins: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains. From where will my help come? My help is in the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth.”  We are never alone even though some situations may feel like it.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.