God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
    though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart
    of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
There is a river whose streams make glad
    the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city;
    it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the
morning dawns.

The nations are in an uproar,
    the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.
Come, behold the works of the Lord;
    see what desolations he has brought
    on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth."
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge. (NRSV)

I have prayed this psalm every day since the devastation of September 11, 2001. I find within it the assurance I need of God's abiding presence in, with, and for all who suffer and who seek justice and peace in these troubling and uncertain times.

The power and importance of covenant discipleship groups is that they equip the followers of Jesus to know how to "be still" and know that God is God.

God is with us. God is our refuge and strength. We are not alone! Therefore, with the grace of God, we become channels of God's peace as we witness to Jesus Christ in the world and follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Steve Manskar (smanskar@gbod.org) is the Director of Accountable Discipleship at the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship.