Carol Purves

In our present turmoil we long to know more of the glory of God. We will not make sense what is happening, but we will be more in contact with the One who does understand.

‘For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.’ Habakkuk 2:14

At Christmas we can think of God as a helpless baby. At Easter we can think of Him as a helpless man dying a terrible death. But He is GOD. Creator, sustainer and also judge. He’s not helpless there!

‘He is the Lord our God: His judgements are in all the earth.’ Psalm 105:7

When we seek God with all our heart, we will find Him because the Bible has promised that it will be so. But we can’t be passive about it, we need to search. He is right there waiting.

‘You will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him if you search after Him with all your heart and soul.’ Deuteronomy 4:29

Oh dear. I had a problem the other day and turned to human help before talking to God about. When will I learn? I need to always look to God, then i will not be shaken.

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

‘Trust in the Lord at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.’ Psalm 62:8

Why should we ‘pour out our hearts’ to God? Probably, firstly, because He wants to communicate with us. He loves us and wants to talk with us. Then, we need His help. There is no-one and nothing on earth which can help us. Talk with Him now.

What are we putting our trust in. As we are seeing at the moment everything can fail us. Many things we thought we could put our trust in, have faded away. We need someone who will never, never fail us. We praise the Lord that we have found it.

‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.’ Psalm 20:7

A message of hope from God for such a time as this.

‘Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.’ Psalm 31:24

Remember who is in ultimate control. He will act in His time and not ours. (which is today)

‘As we have opportunity, Let us do good to all people.’ Galatians 6:10

At the moment the key phrase is ‘as we have opportunity’. In my country, being a vulnerable person, I have little opportunity to do good. I’m receiving all the time instead of being able to give. But I now thank the postman and the paper boy. (I’m not thankful enough yet to get up at 3.00 in the morning to thank the milkman!!)

Have we all been fools for not listening to God? People are looking for hope, they are seeking for answers. Now is not the time to be timid. Tell them the source of your hope and trust.

‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline.’ 2 timothy 1:7

‘Take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.’ James 1:19

How do we cope with this in these difficult times? I’m certainly quick to listen as there are not many people to listen at the moment. Definitely slow to speak, ditto. What about slow anger? Not so easy for me (cross with panic buyers) maybe I should feel sorrow for those people, who do not have a loving Father who will provide.