Originally published Thursday, 23 April 2020.
Dear Lord;
Lord, right now, it seems as if we are living in gripping times. We are bombarded on every side by news cycles providing information couched in dire circumstances - a virus running rampant, living longer than anyone anticipated, and a mounting death toll. I think sometimes we don't know what to do with all of this information, and we are overwhelmed.
But your Word reminds us that when we are overwhelmed, as we call out to You, You will lead us to the Rock that is higher than us (Psalm 62:1). A rock that is sturdy and secure in these changing times. A Rock that is You.
Often we forget that we are passing through; that this world is not our own. We focus so much on things that are seen; we forget the unseen things. Your Word reminds us that the things that are seen are temporary, and those that are unseen are eternal. Lord, even in this time you are recalibrating our eyesight so that we're focusing more on You - the unseen (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Lord, you made us, and you promised us that you have prepared a place for us in your Father's house (John 14:2,3). So at some point, you've made it clear that we will meet again. In eternity. This is what our hearts long for. Thus Lord, even in this time of the pandemic, you are making things beautiful in your time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We know there can be beauty in a storm as it removes all the detritus.
We are passing through this valley, but you are with us. And because you are with us, we need not fear because you are comforting us through your Holy Spirit. You have not left us comfortless (John 14:17), for you knew we would need you. So we know You are protecting us, but you are also correcting us. May we be open to both your protection and correction.
As we rely on you, we see the reality of your promises. We can have peace, we can have wisdom, we can love. So Lord, quiet our souls (Psalms 46:10) during turbulence as only You can. May this time restore our confidence in you, and out of that confident assurance, may we be a balm to this hurting world.
Sometimes we may not know how to help our fellow man. But give us willing hearts of empathy; keep us ready to share and to bear each others burdens; help us to speak your Word boldly. As we do all these things, it will be an active demonstration of faith in You. Just you, Lord, only you, Lord. This time is in your hands. We need not fear for you are with us. We don't know how long it will last, but it didn't catch You by surprise, only us.
In gripping times we covet your protection, correction, grace, mercy, wisdom, and love. Lord, you are our strength both now and forever (Psalm 105:4). In your name, we pray, Amen.
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Like others, I am experiencing a range of emotions at this time. The only way I know to settle myself is to stop and pray and then to remain prayerful, often. I hope this prayer comforts you as we work out our new reality.
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