Hope Reigns Triumphant

The virus has been our minds now for the past month or more.  As more and more states and countries have initiated lock-downs, with hospitals overrun with very sick patients, businesses closed, and silence in the streets... most of the world has turned to social media to satisfy their need for companionship, and interaction with others. 

My dear friend Cheryl at Homespun Devotions has started a series of encouraging posts every day from bloggers around the world who are sharing their perspective on how to stay encouraged in the Lord.  It has been such an incredible blessing to read each day and be encouraged by bloggers around the world, and their perspectives in living in this challenging set of circumstances our world faces.  Cheryl asked me to share a post with her readers.  To see my post shared by Cheryl, you can go here: http://www.homespundevotions.com/2020/04/great-fearor-great-revival-guest-post.html I know you'll be blessed by the many bloggers who have shared their perspectives and encouraging words through these difficult times that we all are facing on Cheryl's blog. 

In this time when we are being told to stay home and practice social distancing, I know that for many there is great agony in sitting still, being quiet, and staying at home is a very trying and difficult time.  When I think of being still, one of my favorite passages comes to mind:

Psalms 46:10 

“Be still and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted over the earth.”

During this time of quiet, stillness, and being at home, I pray that the Word of the Lord abounds in your heart, and becomes richer and speaks louder to your heart than ever before.  We can take comfort in the words that have proved themselves for countless generations, and the truth of God's Word is a foundation we stand sure upon, in these ever-changing moments of time.

This world has seen pandemics before.  I understand that there have been three major worldwide pandemics in the past with millions of deaths.  The world has seen many calamities, destructive forces, and tempests between nations. 

What this world has never seen before is every world government shaken by shattered economies as this disease ravages the economies of the world.  In this sense, we are living in unprecedented times. 

But as we wonder what all this means, one thing we can take comfort in.... God's Word stands sure, steadfast and true. Its prophecies have been proven over and over.  While great men with their opinions, ideas, and dreams have lived, fought and died, the Word has lived on, always enduring.

And that is where I stand today.  His Word is more precious to me than anything else found in this world.  Hold God's Word close to your heart today.  The answers for what we face today are as relevantly found here, as they always have been.  I pray that the peace and comfort of the Lord keeps your hearts smiling, singing, and living with joy in spite of your circumstances.  It is the hope that we have that extends beyond the mortal boundaries of our lives.  What a triumphant hope it is! 

Reflecting on today being Palm Sunday, a day 2000 years ago when the people of Jerusalem lauded Jesus with abundant praise and glory, showering Him with honor, with shouts of Hosanna filling the air.  Yet, in a few short days, the same ones praising Him, were now calling out, "Crucify Him".  And we wonder... how could this be?

We cannot put our hope and trust in the wisdom of man.  Just as the believers thought all hope was lost on that day when Jesus hung between heaven and earth on a tree with a crown of thorns dripping blood down onto the earth that He had created, that hope had not been lost.  It was still hope.  But it just looked different after Calvary, than it did before that awful day.

Today we are facing unprecedented events in the world around us, and perhaps you are feeling that your very hope has been crushed, extinguished and shattered. 

Remember that God's answers, 

God's way, 

and God's solutions 

are never in the realm 

of our choosing or design;

 but in the end, 

they are always best.  

Remember Calvary. 

It is in the darkest hours of life when all hope seems lost, that maybe, just maybe hope is being reborn in a way we've never discovered or seen before.  Don't stop believing... but find yourself at the foot of the cross, in a prayer closet, on your knees.  Find and hold onto your faith, because one thing I know for sure. His Word is true.  It has been proven true throughout the ages of time.  And this crisis we face today is no different than any past pandemic or crisis the world has seen.  The parameters may be different, the face and nature of it may have changed, but one thing remains... our Lord reigns... and our hope in Him is secure.

Lift up your heads, dear ones, 

and try not to fret.  

I see a greater day coming, 

in the future, 

and through it all, 

our Lord will always be with us.  

This scripture has spoken deeply to my heart today. I pray it ministers to your heart. 

Psalms 46

God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in times of trouble.

2Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth is transformed

and the mountains are toppled

into the depths of the seas,

3though their waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake in the surge.

Selah

4There is a river whose streams delight the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5God is within her; she will not be moved.

God will help her when morning dawns.

6Nations rage, kingdoms crumble;

the earth melts when He lifts His voice.

7The LORD of Hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

8Come, see the works of the LORD,

who brings devastation upon the earth.

9He makes wars to cease throughout the earth;

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

He burns the shieldsb in the fire.

10“Be still and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted over the earth.”

11The LORD of Hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Hosanna to the King of Kings today on this Palm Sunday.  May He reign triumphant in your life!  

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A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I went for a drive on a gorgeous Saturday.  I want to take you along with me... this was just days before our governor shut the state down, including the state parks.  I'm so glad we were able to get out on that day. It was such a lovely little outing.  I hope you'll enjoy the virtual excursion with us in this video I created :)

I hope you enjoyed our little outing. It was such a lovely warm, beautiful day with lots of majestic sightings along the way.  We hiked up an ice-covered logging road to explore the little creek, and it was just so soothing to stand still and listen to the musical notes of the stream, and know that for eons and generations no doubt, this little stream has been doing this.  There is something so comforting to know that while there are many changes in the world around us, there are many things that continue on happily and contentedly, blessing those who take time to stop and listen. 

I have found this dear lady on Youtube who shares videos of her beautiful piano music each Sunday. If you just need something lovely and uplifting to listen to, I highly recommend this video. May your heart be blessed!