Not only are we dealing with a global pandemic where many loved ones are dying, we are also living in a world where there is so much division and chaos.
If you’re a liberal, you’re criticized.
If you’re a conservative, you’re criticized.
If you’re a Black Lives Matter supporter, you’re criticized.
If you’re a Trump supporter, you’re criticized.
If you’re Pro-Choice, you’re criticized.
If you’re Pro-Life, you’re criticized.
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Where does all this stop?
Is this high school all over again? When did bullying become acceptable and even encouraged? What happened to equality for all? What happened to civility and respect? When did oppression of the masses by a few become the norm?
Where then do we turn during these tumultuous times? Where’s the hope?
GOD. God is my HOPE.
People are easily influenced, bribed, and corrupted. God is the only one who can stop this madness. Only when we turn to God, can we experience hope and peace. Everything else in this world is futile and temporary.
So, keep your focus on God and you will get the peace that only God can give us. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light, and he saves me. Why should I fear anyone?
The Lord is my place of safety. Why should I be afraid?
My enemies are evil. They will trip and fall when they attack me and try to swallow me up.
Even if an army attacks me, my heart will not be afraid.
Even if war breaks out against me, I will still trust in God.
I’m asking the Lord for only one thing. Here is what I want.
I want to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
I want to look at the beauty of the Lord. I want to worship him in his temple.
When I’m in trouble, He will keep me safe in his house.
He will hide me in the safety of his holy tent. He will put me on a rock that is very high.
Then I will win the battle over my enemies who are all around me.
At his holy tent I will offer my sacrifice with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Lord, hear my voice when I call out to you. Treat me with kindness and answer me.
My heart says, “Seek him!” Lord, I will seek you.
Don’t turn your face away from me. Don’t turn me away because you are angry. You have helped me.
God my Savior, don’t say no to me. Don’t desert me.
My father and mother may desert me, but the Lord will accept me.
Lord, teach me your ways. Lead me along a straight path. There are many people who treat me badly.
My enemies want to harm me. So don’t turn me over to them. Witnesses who tell lies are rising up against me. They say all sorts of evil things about me.
Here is something I am still sure of. I will see the Lord’s goodness while I’m still alive.
Wait for the Lord. Be strong and don’t lose hope. Wait for the Lord.
Grace C. Osborne 