hope in God – Trading Paper Crowns

Dear One,

Remember as Children of the Light we are not to live in fear “for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV). It’s easy to fret when we see stories on the news regarding pandemic and plague. We see footage of panic and apprehension. The mention of disease can cripple one’s faith and allow doubt to grab hold of one’s heart. The unknown is scary. It can shake our cores. It will rattle our understanding.

But do not lose heart – the God who made this world sees you. He knows your struggle. He can read your forlorn soul, and he hears your prayers. Now is not the time to sit back and wallow in fear. It is the time for God’s faithful to fall on our knees in prayer. As William Cowper so eloquently wrote,

“When we don’t pray, we quit the fight. Prayer keeps the Christian’s armor bright. And Satan trembles when he sees. The weakest saint upon his knees.”

We may feel uneasy about what is happening around the world, and it’s prudent to take precaution to protect your family and your loved ones. However, we mustn’t shrink back in fear. The God who made the flowers, seas and stars has us in the palms of his Mighty Hands.

The God who closed the lions’ mouths when Daniel was thrown into that dark, dangerous den – is standing right beside us. The God who danced with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace is holding us up with his mighty right hand. The God who led the Israelites out of the dusty desert is guiding us to safety.

May we beseech the Lord on our knees not out of fear; but, with blessed assurance knowing that he is the one “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). He is the one who can heal our land and work magnificent wonders with his great power.

Let us collectively cry out,

“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure (Psalm 147: 4,5). His power is limitless and his mercy infinite.

May we take time today to drown out the noise on the news, because it will terrify. We must focus our thoughts on God’s rich promises and fall our knees before he who sits on the eternal throne. He is the one who breathes life into bones to create a vast army.

Let’s remember this world is not our home. We are just visitors. We are here to spread the light and love of the one who made us. As Jesus said,

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Life. The human life – breathing, living, flapping wings of life is perfectly gorgeous. The thought of life should excite the soul. Human contact, laughing and loving is what we were fashioned for – by the hand of the living God. We were formed to give love and collect it. And what a joy it is to collect the perfect love of our beautiful Savior. What a complete joy!

Like stepping stones in fresh, wet grass – his mercies are new every morning. He whispers in a voice like the lapping, salt laden ocean and sprays us with new direction and solid vision. Pupils, dilated with the excitement of his beauty, we think about life, this life we were given.

“The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

The butterfly rebirth. From filthy state to fragile wings. We were endowed with so much beauty. The beauty in the everlasting heavens above and the splendor in the presence of the Christ.

Vessels of a living, breathing God. A God that walked on earth, took the scornful death and heinous treatment for us. That’s the truest picture of beauty there ever was. Chills. It sends chills up and down my spine. It engulfs me in a wave of amazement. Paper crowns torn. Crown of thorns embraced. Hurt in human life, pain in death, triumph over the grave – and pristine forgiveness and elegant hope.

Dancing, forgiving hope. A hope that washes our faces and kisses our foreheads. This hope places sandals on our worn feet and oil on our tangled, matted tresses. Hope of life – in his death.

May we ever embrace his hope. Breathe in and out – fill your lungs with his goodness. The air circling your clay vessel shape. Life. There is always life and hope around you. It’s made possible through the sacrifice – so we might live full.