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May 12, 2026

Chaos Versus Control

Abby K. Norman   |   Read Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

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Lectionary Week
May 11–17, 2026
Scripture Overview

Despite the fact that this week comes between Easter and Pentecost, two celebratory feasts, the passages this week do not feel very celebratory. In fact, they all point to a liminal space in which the speaker proclaims that God is in control, while also admitting that things feel very chaotic. In Acts, Jesus ascends, once again defying the hopes of his followers for an earthly kingdom. This scene recalls Psalm 68, where the Lord rides on clouds. In the Gospel, Jesus anticipates his departure and prays for his followers. Peter talks about a trial testing Christians. It is easy to gloss over suffering and confusion as we move between two seasons that highlight the power of God. This week allows us to acknowledge we are not the first people to sit in the discomfort of this liminal space. It is not impossible to hold both of these truths at the same time.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Acts 1:6-14. When have you experienced the power of community?
Read Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35. Recall a time when you recognized God’s power. How might that have been a foretaste of God’s kingdom? What hopes are expressed in this passage?
Read 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11. What hardships are described that feel similar to your experiences today?
Read John 17:1-11. What does it mean for you and your congregation that Jesus prayed for unity among his followers?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

1 Let God rise up; let his enemies scatter; let those who hate him run scared before him! 2 Like smoke is driven away, drive them away! Like wax melting before fire, let the wicked perish before God! 3 But let the righteous be glad and celebrate before God. Let them rejoice with gladness! 4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name! Exalt the one who rides the clouds! The LORD is his name. Celebrate before him! 5 Father of orphans and defender of widows is God in his holy habitation. 6 God settles the lonely in their homes; he sets prisoners free with happiness, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. 7 When you went forth before your people, God, when you marched through the wasteland, Selah 8 the earth shook! Yes, heaven poured down before God, the one from Sinai before God, the God of Israel! 9 You showered down abundant rain, God; when your inheritance grew weary, you restored it yourself, 10 and your creatures settled in it. In your goodness, God, you provided for the poor. 32 Sing to God, all kingdoms of the earth! Sing praises to my Lord. Selah 33 Sing to the one who rides through heaven, the most ancient heaven. Look! God sends forth his voice, his mighty voice. 34 Recognize how strong God is! His majesty extends over Israel; his strength is in the clouds. 35 You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries the God of Israel who gives strength and power to his people! Bless God!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

Psalm 68 provides a beautiful description of God’s restorative work. God is described “as a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows” (v. 5). These verses share a beautiful redemption story, where people are restored relationally—the lonely being restored into families—and also systemically—the prisoners set free with song. It...

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Lord, help me to see the ways you want to break through, even—especially—when it feels like my enemies are closing in. Amen.


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