Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
With the coronavirus having turned our world upside down, where now does the road lead?
What will happen next? People say, “the outlook doesn’t look good, and I can’t see any hope or a way out.” People are hurting. We’ve all lost something, whether it be a loved one, our livelihood, our business or savings, or the security in what we previously thought we could control? Now, seemingly overnight, everything is different and what we were confident in before is uncertain. What now do we hope in? How do we find hope in what seems to be a hopeless situation?
Doing some study on this I came across the Billy Graham Library, discussing 5 Verses on Hope Found in Jesus. We cannot see the COVID-19 virus, yet we know that it exists. In this same way we cannot see God but believers know that He exists. He lays rest in our hearts. He lays rest in our minds. And He’s with us even when we cannot always see or even feel that He is there.
If we can be overcome with worry about a virus we cannot see, we can also choose to meditate on faith and THE hope in Jesus, even though he cannot be seen. To do this, we must get strong in the LORD. The WORD says when we are weak, HE is strong. Together, let’s get strong by getting filled with the Spirit and the truth from God’s word.
Hebrews 11:1 says – Now faith is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
Isaiah 40:31 says – but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Jeremiah 29:11-14 says – For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the LORD”, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Then you will call on me and come to me and pray, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you.
Romans 15:13 says – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:28 says – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
To conclude, as people we often find what we seek in life and for many it’s hard to see brighter days. When we seek out God’s favor, wisdom, strength, and peace.., the kind only HE can give, we endure in God-honoring fashion. And doing so demonstrates our faith in action, by making our best efforts, while we wait on the LORD to do HIS will. Let us have eyes to see and ears to hear what the LORD has for each of us. He’s still on the throne! Declare it every day! Above all else, guard your hearts and minds (Proverbs 4:23) and let’s keep our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), on whom our strength depends. Be strong and courageous, (Joshua 1:9) do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. May God bless you and keep you! AMEN!