Carol Purves

‘How much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?’ Matthew 7:11

I always love the phrase ‘how much more’ when we find it in the Bible. It indicates that God is giving us even more blessings than we could ever imagine. Our God is such a loving and generous God. When we sit down and list the gifts He has given us, we could go on and on and still never complete the list.

‘But, you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship.’ 2 Timothy 4:5

What beautifully up to date language! Not sure when this translation was made. The Amplified Version is a little more circumspect. – ‘As for you, be calm and cool and study, accept and suffer every hardship.’ In any version, the meaning is clear. As our up to date slogan says, ‘Keep calm and carry on.’ With the help of God.

In my country there are new rules as we come out of lockdown. With this comes a new set of worries. There are new worries about finance as some payments stop. There are new worries as we re-unite with family and friends. Will things have changed and if not should they have changed? All can be worry.

‘Come to Me, all you who are worrying and burdened and I will give you rest.’ Matthew 11:28

God is here for us today, whatever our trial may be. He knows and He cares. We can talk to Him about it. We just need to hang in there.

‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.’ James 1:12

During our present troubles we have been helping and encouraging each other. It would be a pity if this stopped when the virus has passed. Furthermore, it is a command in the Bible to build up each other.

‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.’ 1 Timothy 5:11

There will be times when we have looked to the world to give us peace. We have not found peace there. We might have looked to other people for help; again we will have been let down. There is only one reliable place to find peace and help.

‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives . Do not be troubled and do not be afraid.’ John 14:27

It is not good enough to read about God’s goodness. Nor is it sufficient to listen to sermons or read books about God. We need to delve right in to learn more about Him. We need to take Him right into our hearts. There is nothing superficial about this faith.

‘Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him’

Psalm 34:8

‘I call on the Lord in my distress and He answers me.’ Psalm 120:1

There is never any time when the Lord does not answer us. The answer may be ‘yes’ ‘no’ or even ‘wait.’ Because i tend to run ahead of God, His most frequent to me is ‘wait.’

‘I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand I will not be shaken.’ Psalm 16:8

I have to confess that I do not always keep my eyes on the Lord. At times I look away and then I become overwhelmed by the problems of life. I have lived a whole life where God has not let me down once; you would think I had learned by now where my strength comes from.

These are not days to be timid about our faith. In a confused, frightened and fragile world God has given us hope and direction. We can pray to Him to show us opportunities to share this faith and then boldness to do just that.

‘For the spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’ 2 Timothy 1:7