Our Firm Foundation
By Kelly Chesnut, Deeply Rooted Coordinator
Post date: April 6, 2020
It’s been a strange few weeks for our world. Newsfeeds continue to reveal the spread and impact of COVID-19. As more and more countries are on lockdown, tensions are rising and will continue to rise. People are losing loved ones, their sources of income, dreams for the future and more. Our world will never be the same.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that people need the hope and life that can only be found in Jesus. That’s always been true. In times like this, however, we’re more aware of our need for him than ever.
Jesus is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1); his name is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10) and the hope of all the nations (Matthew 12:21). And he invites us to abide in him.
But what does it look like to abide in Jesus when uncertainties arise, thoughts and emotions overwhelm us and we’re struggling to find our new norm? It means we continue to be people of the Word. We continue to meditate on, study and read God’s Word, letting it shape our responses and perspectives moment by moment and day by day.
We’ve been focusing on Mark 12:30-31 for months now. This month’s Deeply Rooted focus is on loving our neighbors as ourselves. But what does it look like to love our neighbors as ourselves when we’re isolated from them? What are practical ways we can live out this commandment when we’re living in a season of limited fellowship?
A tangible way we can love our neighbors is by praying for them. Let’s commit to praying Scripture over our neighbors, our families and ourselves as we continue to lean in to the truth of who God is during this season.
Would you pray with me?
Father, none of this caught you by surprise, but it sure has surprised our world. Thank you for being our firm foundation, our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). We put our hope in you, Lord. You are our help and our shield. We trust in your holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone (Psalm 33:20-22). We look to you as our source of perfect peace because we trust you and will keep our eyes fixed on you (Isaiah 26:3). May your peace guard our hearts and minds as we live — as we abide — in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
Help us to consider ways we can share the Good News of peace through Christ with our neighbors (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Give us eyes to see how we can participate in the work your Spirit is doing. And Lord, use whatever means necessary to spread the truth, love and hope of Christ across the globe. We pray all of this for your glory and the good of your people. Amen.
During the month of April, Wycliffe USA will be hosting a weekly Deeply Rooted EnterMission with breakout chat rooms via Zoom. Our next Virtual EnterMission is Wednesday, April 8, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. ET. We hope you’ll join us!
Para leer el devocional en español oprima aquí.