The psalmist praises God for His help, presence and by the end of psalm 46: 8-11 for the future peace He will establish. Now in midst of our worldwide crisis of illness, we can feel our personal worlds are being further shaken and our hope is to believe in God’s love and protection. Reading these timeless psalms, written years ago for every mood we can be in, brings comfort. They express the whole range of human feeling and experiences from dark depression to overwhelming joy. Can you make these ancient prayers become your own?
Being a caretaker is enough to feel one is in an endurance contest and now with the added crisis, fear and panic that surrounds, it is important to keep ourselves holding onto the word of God. God has not deserted us and calls us to stand firm in Him. What we focus on is what gains strength and while we are powerless over many circumstances, we will find ourselves becoming resilient and strengthened by God’s grace and love, as we ponder the Scriptures throughout the moments of our day, particularly when we question and hurt.
We can think of God, remembering who He is and all He’s done supporting our faith. Recalling God’s promises to never leave us, watch over us each day and so much more, our thoughts can change from stressful to peaceful. Let us hold fast to hope as this next word encourages. Hebrews 6:18-19, “We who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm which reaches into the interior behind the veil.”
Can you believe you are a blessing? Ministering to another person’s needs blesses them. The definition of caregiving is considering the concerns of others. Our actions are a way to share faith in God’s promises. As we are ‘together,’ in this season of uncertainty, we help our loved one’s re-center too. Further encouragement from Deuteronomy 31:8, “It is the Lord who marches before you; He will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed.”
One of my favorites is Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom do I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom am I afraid?” v. 13-14, “But I believe I shall enjoy the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the Lord.” As you contemplate these powerful words, breathe in calm.
May we each try our best through this difficult and uncertain time, to be grateful for God’s gift of peace and the supportive words of John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Don’t not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” This gift of God’s peace is ours to hold and accept.