So if you don't mind, I'm going to do something I refer to a lot--preach the Truth to myself (and hopefully to you). Because as I've said a million times, we all need to keep reminding ourselves and those we love of the true Truth. We need to listen to the voice of Truth--the voice of our all-powerful, all-sovereign, all-loving, all-forgiving, all-merciful, all-wise, Almighty Lord. His Truth trumps all our "what if's." Unlike the ever-changing landscape of this virus, His voice of Truth never changes, never varies, never weakens, never lacks, never fails.
And His voice says, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
And His voice says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you...He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deut.31:6,8)
And His voice says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom.8:38-39.
And His voice says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Ps.46:1-3.
Yes and amen! And that's only the tiniest hint of His voice of never-changing Truth and courage and faithfulness. Today, when you suddenly feel overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty or doubt, preach His Truth to yourself! Speak His words out loud! There's such power in the spoken word. Allow your heart and your ears to hear His voice--His actual voice--by speaking His word out loud.
Remind yourself of the Truth--your God is sovereign and in complete control. His mercies never end and His love never fails. His grace is ever and always abundantly sufficient for anything we will ever face--even if and when we go through the deepest, darkest waters, He will be with us and will strengthen and sustain us.
And remind yourself of the truth that we are here for one another—even if remotely! We can do this one day a time as we listen to God's voice of Truth and peace and power and comfort and strength.
And remind yourself of the truth that the things that truly, really matter are not things. No, they are absolutely not things that we can hold and touch and cling to, but rather consist of that which we cannot see but enjoy and treasure most of all: love, joy, compassion, kindness, forgiveness. Seeing the astounding beauty in the world around us everyday. Enjoying the gift of music. Treasuring the joy of sharing, helping, laughing with those we love--again, even if remotely. Those things can’t be taken away from us.
So today, what kind of message are you preaching to yourself? Is it one of terror, doom and doubt or one of trust, love, and one-day-at-a-time listening to and obeying the voice of Truth. The voice that bids us love God and love those He has so graciously placed in our lives. If we lose everything else but we have in this world, but we have Him and one another, then we are truly, deeply, wonderfully blessed. And we will get through this eventually, literally by the grace of our mighty, glorious God and by the love we have and show one another.
Our simple assignment for today--listen to His voice of Truth and love those He's given you. You can do this. We can do this together--by the grace and for the glory of God.
To God be the glory.
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