On March 18th, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake hit near Salt Lake City. Yesterday, a report came out that more than 600 smaller quakes have hit around that area in the two weeks since then. Honestly, that feels like what a lot of us are experiencing – daily quakes that are shaking our world. Every day there is more news about COVID-19, more restrictions, more people sick, and an ever-increasing death toll. For some, it comes across as numbers on a screen. But for many, the numbers on a screen have faces, as most of us know or will know someone who is directly impacted by the Coronavirus.
With all of the “lifequakes” people are experiencing, it’s important for this world to have some hope. I’ve loved hearing the stories people are sharing of good news, of things that are making them laugh, and sights that are bringing a smile. We all need a daily dose of hope!
Across the nation, there are people who have chosen to put their Christmas lights back up during these darker days (or, if you’re like many, it’s more about plugging them back in since they probably haven’t even come down yet). I love the idea, as it’s clearly brought joy to many people. And I love the step Branson, Missouri – America’s Christmas tree city – is taking.
“On Thursday, March 26, anyone driving in downtown Branson may have noticed a sudden burst of light coming from atop the cliff across from Branson Landing. Shortly before 8 p.m., the polyhedron Christmas star…was lit for the first time since the 2019 Branson Christmas season ended.” (from Branson Tri-Lakes news)
I’ve seen that Christmas star in Branson many times, and this was a great idea by one of the many cities that are shut down these days – lighting up the star where all could see. A daily dose of hope from up high!
These are challenging days, and I am personally not immune to the various hits that can come, whether emotionally, mentally or physically. For me, that’s why I’ve found it so important to make sure I am starting the day with real hope. It is this daily does of hope that has made all the difference for me.
No, that hope isn’t from a certain news source, or whatever Coronavirus treatments are being discussed. The hope is from the bestselling book of all-time, the Bible. I’ve simply been reading through the Psalms recently, and each day there has been fresh hope.
Whether it’s been concern for my friends (especially in the NJ/NY area & Arizona), wondering what will happen to all of those small business owners who are hurting, or even how a virus like this would impact my son with immune system deficiencies, God has given me a dose of hope.
One of my favorites? “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).
When I choose to put my hope in the One who has never failed me, has always been faithful, and is deserving of all my trust, it helps me navigate whatever might come. I don’t know all the answers to how things will unfold, but no matter what tomorrow might bring, I can be strong and take heart. And I can still have hope, joy and peace. All because of Jesus.
You might be someone who has a relationship with Jesus, but hope has been harder to come by in the midst of fear. Let me encourage you – trust Him. He hasn’t failed you, and He won’t fail you.
And if you’re someone who hasn’t experienced the hope that only a relationship with Jesus can bring, talk to Him. Ask Him to forgive you for the wrong you’ve done, thank Him for dying on the cross for you. And rising again…for you! Then simply ask Jesus to come into your heart, and give Him control in an out-of-control world.
Have I found life always easy following Jesus? No, that’s not how it works. But, I have always found a hope that lasts. The ground around me might be shaking, but I have “this Hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). And boy am I glad that when things seem to change, even many times each day, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).