Still working from home? Only going out wearing a face mask? Missing those chance conversations with neighbors? Wondering which day of the week it is? When I hit a wall—which is often enough—I’m turn to a Bible verse or two for hope. Here’s a sample:
1) He gives power to the faint; and strengthens the powerless. (Isaiah 40:29)
Powerlessness is a good place to be. Needing God’s help—desperately—is exactly where and when God can help. Instead of saying “I don’t think I can get through this” to yourself. Say it to the One who “gives power to the faint.”
2) Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
This is a good nighttime prayer. At night I sit up in bed, close my eyes, and I let go of the burdens of the day. They have a way of speaking out, nagging me, “Did you get this done? Or that?” The worries can be insistent. Now is the time to let them go.
“Here, God, it’s your burden now. Take it. I’m done with it.” Catch and release, catch and release. Then I can lie down and go to sleep.
3) “It is a sign forever between Me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” (Exodus 31:17)
If God needed rest after creating the world we live in, don’t you think that we need It, too?
As much as I miss going to church, I find I have a lot more time on Sunday mornings before our Zoom service starts at 10:00 (no mad dash out the door to get to an early choir rehearsal, no commute). I go for a long walk and celebrate God’s creation. In the afternoon if the weather’s nice, I sit on the lawn in the sun. God’s sun. It’s the way to start the week.
4) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
Time lie heavy on your hands? Sucked in by another alarming headline or worrisome article? Does everything you read make you more afraid?
Read some Scripture. I used to start my day with the newspaper. Now, during breakfast, I read a couple of psalms and a chapter from the Gospels. The news can wait. It’s always changing anyway. God’s Word doesn’t.
5) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
Not for nothing is this one of the most beloved lines the Apostle Paul ever wrote. It’s worth remembering, though, the hardships he suffered: imprisonment, persecution, loss, torture.
First thing in the morning, I put my running shoes on (and a loose mask) and head to the park for a short run. There’s a hill I dread every time. It’s so high. I huff and puff, thinking I’ll never make it. And I repeat to myself, “Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Some things matter more than running out of breath on a hill.
Once I get home, I eat a big breakfast. And read the Word. This much I can do.
