Here's seven truths to lean on today...
1. God reigns over all. He is enthroned over all. Nothing catches Him off guard. He is working for our good. Isaiah 41:10, Romans 8:28
2. There is peace in God's word. Every day we should be in God's word. In times like this it is easy to get distracted with all of the overwhelming (seemingly never-ending) news. But before we hear from anyone else, we should hear from God. And by being grounded in the truth of His word He will guide us, sanctify us, and bring us comfort in these dark times. 2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 19:7-11, Psalm 23:4
3. Do not fear. Why should we not fear? Because of who God is and because of what He promises to be for us. When we are fearful or anxious we should pray, and in prayer we bring our troubles to the God who reigns over all things. As we lay down our worries from the day we are confessing that He cares for us. And in line with not fearing, the fear of death is slavery - and it is slavery that Jesus came to free us from. Psalm 46, Philippians 4:6-7, Hebrews 2:15
4. Love your neighbors. This is something we are called by God to do. What an opportunity we have now in our world to do just this. We can help our neighbors by making sure to stay away if we are sick, reach out to those in isolation, and pray for opportunities to give a reason for the hope that we have. Matthew 22:37-40, Galatians 5:13-14, 1 Peter 3:15
5. Death is real, but Christ has defeated it. We should remember that many of those around us are coming to terms that death exists. In our culture it is not something we bring up often. As Christians we have the truth that death has been defeated. This could be a time when those in our lives who have never thought they needed God could start coming to you with questions. Times of crisis can be times when we all start to think about God. 1 Corinthians 15:20-24 & 53-58
6. We will strive for good works. Just because the world is in crisis right now doesn't mean we get to leave our good works behind. This time now is opening the door to many opportunities that we may not have had otherwise. Pray that God will show you opportunities for conversations and that we should have the right words to say. Titus 2:11-14, Galatians 6:9-10
7. We are still the church - even though it is different, and even in the midst of crisis. We will carry on being the church by serving one another, in giving faithfully of our time and resources, and helping one another to be faithful in evangelism. We will bear burdens and share in joys and sorrows in the days to come. We will guard and uphold the gospel, respect the authority of this church, and we will serve, encourage, support, and pray for each other. Hebrews 10:23-25
Jesus, the days ahead for our world will look different. We thank you that you are in control and that you love us. Thank you for the truths you give us in your word and that you are faithful. Please help us to remember that no sickness or other trials will overcome our world. Jesus you will overcome the world (John 16:33). Be the lamp to our feet and the light to our path as we move forward into our new normal - knowing that in you we have a firm foundation. Amen.