Environmental Stewardship Commission

Reflection on Psalm 139: 1
by the Rev Wanda Copeland

In the middle of the winter months, many people suffer from a light deficiency disorder. Such light deprivation causes them to be depressed, sad, lethargic and occasionally unable to perform even the most basic of tasks. Even when they know they are capable mentally and physically of doing things, this lack of light drags them down. What happened to the person who was bubbly, creative, energetic and active? Where has that person gone? It is as if they have become someone they themselves do not even know. The psalmist reminds us that wherever we are, whatever funk we are in, God knows us. God knows of what we are capable, what are our strengths, and what lies hidden even from our own view. It can be intimidating to consider, but it can also be a great relief.

No matter what stumbling blocks we have before us, the psalmist  reminds us God is with us in the midst of them. As we near the end of the millennium, many seek the refuge that the world might indeed end in the next months. All our shortcomings would then be erased and God would rescue us from the messes we have made. For those who don't subscribe to that line of thinking, we need to find another way to deal with the issues in front of us. God, who is at our heart, knows what is inside of us. Even on the darkest days when we cannot see through the environmental crisis that we have created, our God can be our strength. God reminds us that we have it within our capacity to change, to become the kind of stewards that he expects. We cannot flee from God, nor can we flee from ourselves. But with God's grace and help we can creatively work together for alternatives and solutions.

The Rev Wanda Copeland was rector of Holy Trinity Church, Elk River, MN, and Co-chair of MEESC, when she originally wrote this reflection in 1999. Wanda and we welcome your comments. Please address your comments or additional reflections to Wanda Copeland or any MEESC member, or mail them: