Hope Amidst the Chaos

As you can imagine, my family has felt the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty many of you may be feeling with the chaos going on around us. It’s been challenging keeping up with my personal commitment here, but please know that I pray for each of you daily.

I want to share some scriptures not only related to the upcoming blog post, but also VERY relative to the times we find ourselves living in.

When you struggle with anxiety or worry, commit to learning one thing about God you may not have known, or need reminded of. When we submerge ourselves in the Word, we will find sooo many promises of how He will sustain us through times such as these. We are encouraged not to be afraid or discouraged. And, we are reminded that we are not alone….even while we self-isolate.

If you “do” need help, please visit our Resource Page and reach out to the organization that best fits your situation.

Encouragement from Psalms

Psalm 34:17-20

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken."

Psalm 119:145-148

"I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord, and I will obey your decrees.

I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises."

Joshua 1:7-9

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

This one really hit home for me. The first half is a pretty accurate description of how some of us may be feeling in the midst of the chaos. The second half is a beautiful reminder of who our God is and what he has already done.

Psalm 77

I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.  When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted.

I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.[b] You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.  I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;
I remembered my songs in the night.  My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

“Will the Lord reject forever?  Will he never show his favor again?

Has his unfailing love vanished forever?  Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful?  Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:  the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.  I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Your ways, God, are holy.  What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;  you display your power among the peoples.

With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.  The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.

The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.

Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. 

We would also love to hear from you! How are you staying connected in a divided world?