June 24, 2020
Weekly Reflection – In God We Trust
In God We Trust is printed on our money and found in many places in public life. But do we practice this? This week’s Reflection is from an old friend, Raymond Key, of Houston Texas.
Blessings and peace,
Chaplain Allen
chaplain@nationsu.edu
chaplainscorner.org
In God We Trust
COVID-19 has taken over the attention of the world. Fear, chaos, and frustration are everywhere. Quarantine was something that happened to other people until we learned a new term called social distancing.
There are times in life when it can feel like we’ve reached a dead end. People who are sick and doctors say that they can’t be healed. We live from one danger to the next with no end in sight. These are times when people are facing the harsh reality of this deadly virus, with its devastation, isolation, and loneliness.
The virus has its dangers, but so does being quarantined. Isolation feeds loneliness and depression. What can we do? We can, in faith, turn our focus away from the coronavirus and gain hope from our Lord’s assurances as recorded in the Bible. This assurance will steady our hearts and give; us strength.
As people of faith, we are to offer prayers to God at all times, both good and bad. But it is at times of trial and challenge like this when we remember the power of prayer and instinctively turn to God. We’re able to get through all kinds of challenges because of prayer – and by the knowledge that God hears our prayers. That same power that broke prison chains, raised Lazarus from the dead, and parted the Red Sea, the same power that healed the blind man, and delivered the delirious from demons, that same power is at work even today.
He is the same. Yesterday, today, and forever. May we stand together in unity as believers in Christ, and pray for God to heal our families, and our nation. May He strengthen us all and give us fresh glimpses of His intervening, see our people drawn to Him, and experiencing the goodness of our Lord as never before.
If you’ve found yourself despondent, especially amid this global Coronavirus pandemic and recent racial unrest, here’s hope from God’s word. The Psalms offer countless verses of real-life prayers for God’s peace and leading. No matter what we may be facing today, we can choose to set our hearts and minds on His truth, believing that He’s with us and giving us strength every step of the way. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding. will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)
The apostle, John, was in isolation on the island of Patmos, but his faith did not suffer. His trust was in His Lord, and he was blessed beyond measure. Pray with me, “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”