Focus from the Scriptures

It's been months now. How quickly things changed! Maybe we feel impatient, living in close quarters with family members, or frustrated with how others are responding to this pandemic. We long for normalcy.

Because of the pandemic and the precautions we are taking to prevent its spread, life has turned upside down. Schools and businesses are closed. Shelves in grocery stores are empty. Normal routines have been replaced with new ones. Social distancing is a reality. There are many unknowns and uncertainties. Church services are suspended.

This past Sunday here at Mount Hebron we had an online 'virtual' communion service. If you wish to celebrate with us a link can be found here.

I have found that more and more, during this time of challenge, I have needed to focus on God's Word. Here are some Scripture verses that I have found helpful during this time of quarantine. I pray they may also be a blessing to you. Read through them... and take the time to meditate upon them.

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change…”

Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice … The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

1 Peter 5-7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5-7

Deuteronomy 31:8 “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Isaiah 43:1-4 “I have called you by name, you are mine…you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Colossians 3:12-15 “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another… forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you… Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body.”

1 John 4:19 “We love because He first loved us.”

For further meditation, a musical setting of Psalm 91 by Esther Mui "My God, In Him I Will Trust."

However these days are finding you, I hope you will find comfort from God's Word.

Rev Adrian J. Pratt