"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." — Psalm 46:1 (RSV-CE) When everything shakes, God doesn't. I picked this one because of what today is. September 11 is a reminder of how fast an ordinary morning can change, and most of us carry smaller versions of that lesson from our own lives and businesses. You just never know what is around the corner for your business, from a bad inspection to a lost client, a change in the market, etc. Literally endless threats. I think reminding ourselves of Psalm 46 is perfect for those moments. Read the next verse: "Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea." The psalmist isn't pretending trouble won't come, but rather, telling you where to stand when it does. And take notice of the wording: a very present help, as opposed to a distant metaphysical one. Not one who shows up after the dust settles, but one who is actually present in the trouble, while it's still ...trouble. One more thing worth knowing: the famous line "Be still, and know that I am God" comes from this same psalm, just a few verses down. And what we're being told is not that the shaking is going to stop, but that there is a much (MUCH) greater force steadying you in the midst of all of the shaking. So today, I hope you'll stop and pray for the families who are still shaking and suffering from their losses brought about on September 11th, 2001. Take stock of what's shaking in your own world, and remember where your footing true footing should be. Steadily, firmly, grounded in the presence of the Lord.