NOTE: Pastor Jon forgets to turn on mic at the very beginning. Have patience, he does turn it on. Pastor Jon Ierley shares when he first retired he thought now I can do anything I want. He soon discovered even in freedom there are boundaries; finances, health, commitments to others. There are many things going on that tug at our time and attention. It is important that we follow the Lord’s advice in Psalms 46:10. “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Calling attention to the fact we are living in complex and troubled times, we are reminded in Psalms 46:1 that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” We need to cling to that promise and when distractions surround us follow the example of Martin Luther and sing this Psalm. It was what inspired him to write A Mighty Fortress is our God.