Hope

We are living in a time like no other.  Very few see any hope, many are sick, some will die, and some have already lost someone near and dear to them.  We hears news reports daily, seemingly in competition with one another of who can give the most bad news.  Whenever someone does say anything with any bit of hope, talking heads line up experts to say why that hope is wrong.  Tragedy gets people to tune into the news, and their machines are in full force right now.  We are all in the middle of a slow-motion catastrophe, and we have no idea when it will end.  To make matters worse, we are forced to isolate from our support systems as we face unimaginable fear and uncertainty during this worst of times.  There is no comfort in those places we tend to get our comfort from.  There is no escape, there is no place to go. 

Today I want to share a little bit of hope.  While what we are going through rightly seems so big to us, there is something, or Someone, who is even bigger.  It is time to dust off those Bibles and return to that God you have spent so much time running from.  As big as this pandemic is, God is bigger.  As out of control things seem to have gotten, it is not out God's control.  Turn to Him and He will lift you up.  Lean on Him, and He will carry you through. 

It's easy to live in panic and fear when that is what we spend out time dwelling on.  The heart feels what we fill our mind with, and this is no different.  For today, I would hope that you all take the the following verses to heart and use it to fill your mind with the good, and your heart will follow.  Think of the family you do have, the ones living with you, the sun shining, the fact that this will end, and that God will carry you through even this. Don't think of the great tragedy that is dragging you down, but pray to the greater God who wants to lift you up. 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.  (Philippians 4:6-8 NKJV)