The Lord is good a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, -Nahum 1:7
Like many of us, I wake up each day wondering what new development may be happening in the midst of the coronavirus crisis. It seems each new day does not bring any encouragement, if you see what the news says. It is in these times that I realize even more that I need to rely on a different source for my encouragement. I realize how short life can be and fully start to understand what the Bible says when it tells us to set our minds on things above not on things on earth.” -Colossians 3:2 ESV.
Recently, I saw this verse in a whole new light. When I read it before, it used to bring images in my head of white, fluffy clouds or perhaps those renaissance images of heaven and God. These might be great images, but I struggled with how I was supposed to have the right thought about it in my head and not be concerned of the things I could see going on here on earth. I was reading it again one day, and I saw it in a totally different way! I realized what I believe it means is that we are to understand the great gift we have awaiting us in our eternal place in heaven with God through Jesus Christ. I realized that when I started contemplating how long eternity lasts and how short this life can be (even if we live 100 years), that it puts things into perspective.
This current scare is unsettling for a lot of people. However, there are many who have had their own private world tumbled whether it be to a negative diagnosis, the loss of a job, or the loss of a loved one. Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33. I wrote in the last blog how the Bible tells us not to be anxious but to pray for what we need and to thank God for what he’s done, and then, we will receive a peace that surpasses all understanding, and it will guard our hearts and our minds (Philippians 4:6-7). What’s the one thing that is sure to steal our peace? Fear!
We often don’t realize how many thoughts are running through our heads. The one thing we can control is what we think about. We can’t control the weather, we can’t control a pandemic, but we can control our response and Who we turn to in the midst of these, sometimes, unbearable circumstances. However, we can bear them with the help and the power of Jesus, and He promises that He will give us a peace that really defies human understanding, if we turn to Him and think about the things He’s told us about in His Word. If you aren’t in His word, I’d encourage you to start reading it. You will grow in your relationship with the Lord, and you will have His Words to comfort in all situations. If you’ve never read the Bible, a good place to start is the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of John.
These two books will allow you to get to know who Jesus is and what he’s told us. The Psalms are also very encouraging. There are plenty of websites like Biblegateway.org, BibleHub.com, and the YouVersion Bible app. Let’s remember that He is good, He is our refuge in times of trouble, and He cares for those who trust in Him!
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