Hope in a Time of Crisis

Where can we find hope? There’s no better place to find what we need during this time of crisis than the Word of God. I believe the verses below speak of the promises we have in knowing our Lord, and they also offer us comfort.

I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.

(Psalm 130:5 NLT)

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13 NLT)

Confident expectation is the Biblical definition of hope as we look to God’s promises in His Word. During these difficult times, we can rest in the assurance of His love and His coming.

With God’s Word and Christ in us, we can rest in hope and dwell in peace. The Lord’s got this—whatever “this” is for us—the virus, other health concerns, a family situation, our job, and our finances. Trust Him.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

(Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

God’s Word doesn’t hide the fact that we’ll endure struggles, but these difficulties help us grow stronger in character and reinforce our hope of salvation.

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

(Romans 5:3-5 NLT)

In two of the verses above, we see the role of the Holy Spirit equipping us with power. This gives us confidence and fills our hearts with God’s love. In addition, the Holy Spirit indwells, guides, and intercedes for us, and He is our comforter. Trust Him to hold you during this time of crisis, guide you through God’s Word, and intercede on your behalf as you pray and seek the Lord.

Father, I thank You for Your Word and for the rest and hope we find there. Thank you for the power of the Holy Spirit working in us as we trust in You and as you fill us with joy and peace. Lord I ask for Your protection over us, and for those who are sick, I pray for healing. Bless the lonely, the anxious, and those who feel forgotten during this time of crisis and may they find comfort in knowing You love them. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

I’m praying for God’s blessings upon you. Stay safe and well!

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Photo by Toimetaja Tolkeburoo - Unsplash

Whose Advice Do You Seek?

In the book of Isaiah, God’s people did not seek the Lord’s advice regarding the Assyrian nation. Instead, they turned to Egypt for protection. God spoke these words to His people.

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it (Isaiah 30:15, NIV).

How guilty have I been? Seeking advice from those I trust is not a bad thing. But I should go to God first. After I’ve sought wise counsel from others, I need to return to the Lord and rely upon Him to guide me to make the right decisions.

The leaders of Judah trusted in horses, chariots, and a nation that could not help them. They would have suffered less had they understood their deliverance would come from confidence in the Lord.

How many times would I have struggled less had I called upon God? Instead, I followed the crowd or agreed to an idea or advice without questioning it.  

But our God is gracious. His mercy is available to each of us. Verse 18 describes God’s mercy toward his people.

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him (NIV)!

When I wait on the Lord and seek His wisdom, He’ll speak if I’m willing to listen. God whispers in my ear. It’s up to me to pay attention.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

Often, I pray first. After I seek advice from others, I’ll follow up with research of my own. I usually pray again about the situation. Waiting is my biggest challenge. By the time I get there, I think I’ve got it all figured out. I need to slow down and wait on God.

My life’s journey will be easier to travel when I learn to be still and rest in God’s strength for everything. I need to trust Him from the first prayer through the wait.

Which part of the advice process is most challenging for you?

Dog Tired

At first glance it appeared to be an enjoyable morning walk, but as I continued to observe, I witnessed something totally different. A dog trudged alongside its owner for several steps and then plopped onto the sidewalk. The owner nudged and pulled him to no avail until the dog was ready to walk again. This happened three times as I watched from my kitchen window. Possibly you can relate to the dog. I can.

There are times we get tired and need to rest. We scurry here and there to get everything done. Busy with our jobs, school and church activities, and balancing home life. At some point, we need to plop on the couch or bed for relaxation or sleep.

Possibly the dog had been chasing a cat around the backyard earlier and was exhausted. He needed time to be still and rest.

When I become exhausted, anxiety often raises its ugly head. In these weary times, I listen for God’s whisper reminding me to be still and know He is God. Posted at my desk is, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6 NIV). This verse reminds me to take time to pray and be thankful.

Distractions often interrupt us. We start out focused on our purpose and then life happens. We find ourselves getting off track and going the opposite direction. Possibly the new way is the path of least resistance. Appears better or easier, but is that the best way?

Perhaps the dog was distracted by a bug as it crossed the sidewalk. Maybe, he wanted to spend time focusing on this curious creature.

Distractions cause me to get off course. I allow life to get in the way of growing closer to the Lord. I find myself focusing on the wrong things like pleasing people by trying to be perfect. My Bible reading dwindles, my prayer life fades, and I slip away into self-sufficiency. To refocus, I must turn back to the Word of God and spend more time in prayer.

From my viewpoint, it appeared the dog was exercising his selfishness. He didn’t desire to walk, and he wanted to make sure his owner understood. His goal was control.

In the end he honored his master and followed her home. He was too heavy for her to carry.

When we are tired, distracted, or self-seeking, God still loves us. He longs for us to turn from the things that keep us distant and instead draw near. The good news is, unlike the dog’s owner, God will carry us when we surrender to Him.