HOPE FOR TODAY’S CORONA CHALLENGE…

I made a stab at blogging for my post on Friday. I got it videod on my phone and finally figured out how to get it from my phone to the computer. But it was too large for my website. I didn’t anticipate that at all. I think i’m back to the drawing board for a bit. I have not given up at all despite the fact that i don’t have a face for video!As I prepared for my video, I came across this Psalm. The words from a childhood memory verse came to me and I looked them up on Bible Gateway. They are found in the second paragraph (it is highlighted, vs. 3) and the last 2 lines (vs. 11.)

Living at varying stages of lost control and uncertainty…of our present lives, of our financial future, and for some, even our jobs, is very stressful.

Right now, we are all living at various levels of uncertainty. It goes anywhere from wondering if we will catch the Corona virus? to will a loved one will catch it? to will we be out of a job if this quarantine continues? to will I lose my business? to will I lose my retirement money? to a horde of other questions.

Depending on the way your brain works, that may be all you can think about right now. In fact, your brain may even be on overdrive, thinking of every worse case scenario in the book. As you well know, that is not good for you or those around you. That is why we Believers need to have a more positive place to set our minds.

Be gracious to me, O God, for man tramples on me;
all day long an attacker oppresses me;
my enemies trample on me all day long,
for many attack me proudly.
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?

All day long they injure my cause;
all their thoughts are against me for evil.
They stir up strife, they lurk;
they watch my steps,
as they have waited for my life.
For their crime will they escape?
In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

You have kept count of my tossings;
put my tears in your bottle.
Are they not in your book?
Then my enemies will turn back
in the day when I call.
This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
in the Lord, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

Psalm 56:1-11 ESV

So, what is the source of our hope?

Hope does not come from living life looking only on the sunny side while ignoring the facts of our situation. But neither does it come from looking at every catastrophe that could happen. Hope can only come as we confidently trust the person and promises of GOD. He alone holds us in His hands. He alone is in control of our future.

So today, in terms of hope, I want to focus on the One in whom we are placing our trust. In this Psalm, it states that He is for us. Can you imagine? He wants the absolute best for you. Only He knows what that is. In some cases, it may mean walking through some very difficult times. For others, it will mean coming through these hard times apparently unscathed. For most of us, we will be affected in some ways. We will learn so much…about compassion, getting along with each other when we are stressed, finding ways to save money, etc.

We will also learn much about prayer, trusting in GOD and His will for us, It is not a passive exercise at all! Are you praying about the concerns and questions you have? GOD is the only one powerful enough and with the resources to resolve each one. He loves you more than you can imagine. Whatever He allows into your life is for your benefit. It may not be something you love now, but later on, you will see what the benefit of it was to your growth.

GOD will either answer the prayer you ask or
the one you would have asked if you knew everything He did.
Tim Keller

Another way to help your mind not to spiral down into gloom is to dwell on the things that are helpful and life-giving. Here is another helpful quote from GOD’s Word.

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things…and the GOD of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8, 9b ESV