Affirmations of Faith
We started posting these prayers in the middle of March at the beginning of the lockdown here in British Columbia. Things were spinning in those days. None of us knew very much and we were aghast at the kind of numbers we were seeing in WuHan and then Italy, Iran and Spain.
A month later – one month into physical distancing and social isolation we had watched all the videos we were interested in watching and we were more than ready to get back out into the warm days of spring. How little did we know how slowly and uncertainly that process would move along. Governments were announcing benefit packages that would be available to help those who had to stay home from work and those time frames have had to be extended.
In mid-May businesses were looking for ways to be socially responsible and still get their doors open so they could get some cash flow going. As individuals and families we had learned that there were many things we could do without and many things we had taken for granted that we missed as the weeks of physical distancing stretched into months.
A month ago hope was rising as many places began to cautiously reopen in certain parts of community and business life. Toilet paper was back on the shelves. Frozen vegetables could be found in store freezers again. Some travel restrictions were relaxed some and with the longer sunnier days of summer beginning to come, we all looked forward to getting outside and having a change of pace.
And now here we are coming near the mid point of summer – nearing the end of July, for goodness sake. Cases of COVID-19 around the world have gone beyond 15 million cases and close to 700 thousand deaths – things have been worse than we hoped in some ways and yet, here we are. Some clinical trials of a vaccine are showing promise as courageous humans step up and become part of studies. Governments are buying up supplies so mass distribution of the vaccine can be prepared and distributed as quickly as possible when one is cleared for use.
Our good God has brought us to this day and He is going to take us forward in what will certainly be a mixture of times as warmer days here in the northern hemisphere move into the cooler and wetter days of autumn and winter. Second and third waves of the disease may emerge during the upcoming months. Most people expect a rhythm of changing lock-downs and relaxing in various sectors as outbreaks pop up.
Going forward, let’s reaffirm our faith in the presence of God no matter how twisting this journey of the pandemic is and how long it goes on. God’s word is faithful and true. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. From everlasting to everlasting He is God. His care for us will be consistent.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the whole world,
from everlasting to everlasting
you are God.
Psalm 90:2
But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those
who fear him, and his righteousness
with their children’s children
Psalm 103:17
Let’s pray: So loving God, in Your presence and with faith in Your goodness we affirm:
If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask God,
who gives generously to all
without reproach,
and it will be given him.
James 1:5
Keep your life free
from love of money,
and be content
with what you have,
for he has said,
“I will never leave you
nor forsake you.”
(Hebrews 13:5 ESV)
But he said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect
in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast
all the more gladly
about my weaknesses, so that
Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
And my God will meet
all your needs
according to
the riches of his glory
in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:19
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3
The Lord is my strength
and my shield;
my heart trusts in him,
and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7
Because of the Lord’s great love
we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
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