Carol Purves

‘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.

Wherever you are in the world I know that you’re suffering. I think this is God’s wake-up call. We need to call on Him. Now is the opportunity while we have time. Though I do not know you or will ever see you face to face, I do pray for you.

‘Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.’ Isaiah 55:6

I asked myself why should we do good? I know the Lord asks us to, but why? Is it for hope of reward? No. Is it for recognition? No? Is it because we have nothing better to do? Definitely not. It is because of love. Only love keeps us going through thick and thin. Love and thankfulness to God and love for our fellow human beings.

‘Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.’ Psalm 37:3-4

With nine fruits of the Spirit mentioned in the Bible it can be easy to gloss over the list. Maybe we could concentrate on one each day and then two at the weekends. then at the end of the month think about the ones we are not very good at.

‘The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’ Galatians 5:22-23

God is all powerful. We can rely on Him. We need to cry out to Him, especially at this difficult time. As I get hits from all round the world, I pray for you.

‘Jesus said, ‘Everything is possible for one who believes.’ Mark 9:23

‘I do believe, help my unbelief.’ Mark 9:24