Right now the future feels uncertain. It’s easy to let anxiety and worries about tomorrow overtake us. But in moments of uncertainty, it’s always good to rest on the unchangeable character of God. As we head into the Easter weekend, University Chaplain Erik Gernand offers five truths from Scripture that never fade, no matter the current circ*mstances. What’s more, this promise is often connected to another phrase we need to hear these days, “Do not be afraid.” For the people of God, the call to live in love, confidence and self-discipline (see 2 Timothy 1:7) is intimately connected to the presence of God’s Spirit being with us and at work within us. But even though it feels like everything has changed (and continues to change) around us, we do well to remember that the character of God remains constant. He is still faithful, true, good, full of compassion, the giver of good gifts, slow to anger, abounding in love, rich in mercy and kind. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases…” (Lamentations 3:22)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10In this time of social distancing, it is important to remember that none of us are ever truly alone. One of the most repeated promises from God in the Bible is, “I am with you.” Whether we are looking into what feels like an uncertain future, or if we find ourselves feeling isolated, it is good to be reminded that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39).
When the world is in upheaval around us, remembering that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone can give us a fixed point to build on as we weather the storm (Ephesians 2:20).
One prayer I often pray as a pastor is that God’s grace would rise up to meet the need of the situation before me. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust that God’s grace is sufficient, not just for Paul, but for all of us at all times. And just when we think we’ve exhausted it at the end of one day, we awake the next one to find that “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23).
In these days, the ways in which you choose to love one another with the same kind of selfless love of God not only gives witness to your love for God, but also helps a curious, watching world catch glimpses of the God who loves the whole world enough to give us Jesus.
Let’s not miss any opportunities to find new ways to love one another.
As Christians, we look forward to and have confidence in the day when all things will be set right. There will be a day when every tear will be wiped away, all pain, death and dying will cease, the old order of things will have passed away and everything will be made new. On that day, we will bask in the glory of the Lord that fills the earth with light, love and life.
At the end of the scriptures, Jesus himself tells us to hang on because “I am coming soon” (Revelation 2:20).
May it be so. “Amen, come Lord Jesus.”
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