In this season of isolation, fear and uncertainty, many are suffering mentally, physically or even spiritually. Relationships may be strained and finances may be drained. At times like this, we tend to see only what we are lacking and overlook what we still have and need to hold onto. There is a ray of hope as we cautiously prepare to open up our churches and businesses in an effort to slowly return to normal activities again; but for many that means picking up the broken pieces of their lives. Moving on without loved ones who have died; starting all over from scratch in their business or career; and mending strained personal relationships. I know I am truly blessed in so many ways, but I also know there are some tough decisions ahead of me.
I always try to find encouragement that I can pass on to you, but that search has never been as important as it is now. I have emphasized the importance of replacing worry with prayer. Then I emphasized the importance of counting our blessings, even the hidden ones. Today I want to encourage us to look up to God for strength and then look forward to the bright light of hope that God is shining on our future. As usual, I turned to Christian music and I found “Joy Comes in the Morning” performed by Joy Gardner. I love the message in these lyrics that are based on Psalms 30:5. They lifted my spirit and I hope they will do the same for you.
“If you’ve knelt beside the rubble of an aching broken heart when the things you gave your life to fell apart; you’re not the first to be acquainted with sorrow, grief or pain. But the Master promised sunshine after rain. Hold on my child. Joy comes in the morning. Weeping only lasts for the night. Hold on my child. Joy comes in the morning. The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight. To invest your seeds of trust in God in mountains you can’t move, you have risked your life on things you cannot prove. But to give the things you cannot keep for what you cannot lose; now, that’s the way to find the joy God has for you. Hold on my child. Joy comes in the morning. Weeping only lasts for the night. Hold on my child. Joy comes in the morning. The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight.”