“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth” – Psalm 121:1,2.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” – John 1:1-3.
Pandemic – Covid-19
During this time of uncertainty and fear because of Covid-19, a great percentage of the world’s population is looking for help and hope. Many are looking to the government and its political leaders (locally and nationally), others are trusting the scientists, medical professionals, and religious leaders. Most of these people are doing their best, working day and night, to come up with the answers that will end the crisis and allow life to return to some semblance of normalcy. We are encouraged to pray for these people. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
Personal Responsibility
While it is our duty to pray for and obey those in authority (1 Peter 2:12-15), we have a personal responsibility to use our common sense to protect ourselves and others with whom we have contact. We have a Heavenly Father and His Book that we can depend on to guide us and give help and hope. “My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD” – Psalm 31:24.
“Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee” – Psalm 33:22.
“And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee”– Psalm 39:7.
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance” – Psalm 42:5.
Where to Find Help and Hope
Recently, just before Mother’s Day, I visited the place where my parents are laid to rest and placed a beautiful bouquet of silk flowers in a vase provided. It was a time for thankfulness for their lives and influence and to show honor and respect. It was truly a pleasant experience. On most of the several hundred graves are bouquets of lovely silk flowers. I noticed a beautiful yellow butterfly flitting from one arrangement to another seeking life-giving nectar. The choices were wide and varied with different types and colors. But one thing was wrong, there was no life in any of them. The butterfly needed something but was going to the wrong sources. It reminded me of some people in the middle of the current pandemic. Many “flit” from one source to another looking for help and hope, but they, like the butterfly, are often going to the wrong sources. For each of us, there is help and hope.
Personal Help and Hope Can Be Found
- Scriptures – It is true, God’s Word, the Scriptures, has the answer for our problems. Seek its life-giving instruction. If you can’t find the answers yourself, ask someone to help you. If you sincerely seek the answers, you will be able to find them. God’s Word is true and it has the help and hope we need during the current crisis and even in the smallest issues of life. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). There is help and hope in the Scriptures.
- The Lord Jesus Christ – You are important to the Lord Jesus Christ. He cares for you. He is willing and able to help you. Go to Him daily, tell Him how you feel and ask for His comfort and guidance. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” (James 4:8). All your fears may not disappear, but you will have the strength and courage to keep going knowing that He, Jesus Christ, cares for you. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (2 Peter 5:7). The Lord will help you and give you hope.
- Godly Christian Friends – Throughout the Bible, Christians were helped and comforted by other Christians. Friends are wonderful gifts from the Lord. They may not have all the answers, but the comfort of a friend who cares will be a life-giving source of help and hope. The Bible instructs us to “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15). We may not be able at this time to personally be with our friends, but we can reach out via the phone, text, FB, Zoom, etc. Sharing with others brings help and hope. “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (2 Cor 7:6 ). Reach out to friends for help and hope.
- The Church – Often I’ve seen Christians forsake the church when trouble strikes. They turn away from people who love them the most. They turn away from this great life-giving source. The Bible instructs us to assemble ourselves together and to exhort (encourage) one another. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Meeting together in a church, focusing on God, singing, praising, and hearing God’s Word and fellowshipping with God’s people is a life-giving source of help and hope. I look forward to “church time.” I get excited, anticipating hearing the preaching of God’s Word. Each time, I walk away with something that helps me. Attend church regularly. Go expecting to receive a blessing and to be a blessing. (Although many currently cannot assemble together inside a church building, the church is still alive and well. Media resources make it possible to worship together and hear the Word of God. This is a wonderful blessing for those who are seeking help and hope.)
Don’t be like the yellow butterfly in the cemetery flitting from one dead source to another looking for help. As a friend, I exhort (encourage) you to go to these life-giving sources for help and hope. Life can be joyful and satisfying regardless of the situations. It’s up to you. Make the right choices for help and hope. You will be glad you did.
This is written because I care… Carlene
