No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:39
My husband and I drove by a church recently and read this message on the sign board:
No church services until ?
Share the good news
Because of the Coronavirus issue, many churches have closed their doors to in-person worship services for a time. And there may be some people who would agree that is good news! But I’m quite sure that’s not the good news the church was encouraging people to share. With all the many months of world-wide pandemic, people need to hear good news that can only come from a personal relationship with the One who came to save the world.
No one is unaffected by this pandemic, and our hearts ache for those who have lost loved ones, their own health, a business, a job. New phrases have been added to our common vocabulary: “social distancing” and “masking up.” Relationships are suffering because of the distance we are supposed to be keeping from each other.
As sad as I am about the restrictions imposed because of this virus, I understand the need for it. But it has made me think about how grateful I am for my relationship with God and His Son Jesus. They will never require distance from us once we receive the gift of salvation God offers through Jesus’ death on the cross to forgive us of our sin! Jesus came to this earth He created so that we can know God, know His eternal love for us, and understand our need to be forgiven of sin. And when we receive Him, He gives us another gift — the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. He teaches us, guides us, connects us with the mind and heart of God and gives us everything we need to follow His plan for our life as we depend on Him.
No matter how sad and disconnected we feel from the life we had before this year 2020, here are some verses that have encouraged me to remain thankful for God’s promises:
The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18).
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 31:8).
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:29-31).
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow (Jeremiah 31:13b)
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)
We can’t get together in large groups like we used to, but it is important to stay connected with God through time alone with Him in the Word and in prayer. His Word assures us that He knows exactly what we are going through, each and every moment of our lives. He sees us, He hears us when we talk to Him, and He delights when we put our trust in Him no matter what circumstances we are facing.
It’s also important to stay connected to other followers of Jesus. We can email and text, but what really encourages me most is to hear another friend’s voice over the phone. I’ve enjoyed many conversations during these months – encouraging and being encouraged. I love praying together over the phone! Let’s stay connected and share the good news!
I’m reminded of the song: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Can you think of someone you could call and offer encouragement to during a difficult time?
Maybe you are the one who needs encouragement. Can you call a friend and share what you are going through and ask for prayer?
What can you choose to be thankful for even during these months of unsettled and difficult time?
What can you do to keep your focus on the Lord, His love, His presence with you and the promises in His Word?
Thank you, Sherrilyn, for this timely encouragement. It is so well written.
Thank you Sherrilyn, You have refreshed my mind with all those great verses that assure that regardless of where I am, “Lo, I am with you always”. Even in that “Valley of the shadow of death”.
Thank you, dear Sherrilyn. Great encouragement for times like these. I copied your verses and pasted them in my journal so I could meditate on them and hide them in my heart.
Love,
MarJean
I loved all the verses and quoted especially renewing your strength. Now, with a broken leg I don’t feel very strong, but I have hope.