But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. (Mal 4:2 KJV)
There are a whole lot of people suffering from illnesses in the world today; many besides those who have contracted the Corona Virus. As the world panics over this virus, I cannot help but wonder why we do not have cures for some of them. Why no cure for cancer, yet? It has been around for a long time. Why no cure for the influenza that comes and goes or the more permanent diseases like multiple sclerosis or cystic fibrosis or the many other diseases that afflict the human race? It is a sad thing that so many suffer. All of our scientists and specialists have not been able to figure out how to cure these diseases. What is left for us to do; but, to depend on the Lord our God to see us through?
The faithful trust him to see us through our illnesses until the day he brings us home. There is suffering in this world. But the children of God know that the Son of God has risen and we shall go forth growing in faith and trust that in him all things are for the good of those who love him.
While Jesus walked the earth he instructed his followers to have no fear. Listen to him! Fear will stop a person in their tracks. It will destroy the love that we ought to have for one another and for God. It will destroy our concerns for those in greater need than ourselves.
With the panic over the Corona Virus, I cannot help but wonder about the people who live paycheck to paycheck to put food on their families' tables. The grocery store shelves were empty in so many stores yesterday due to people stockpiling and hoarding. When payday comes and those who can only afford to purchase food when their check comes and there is no food in the grocery stores to purchase what happens to them? How many have thought of the homeless and hungry when they overfill their carts? Love of God and for our neighbors seems to have gone out the window....!!! Will greed and self-preservation send our neighbors home hungry?
There is nothing to fear for in the end the God whom we love and who loves us has come and is here with us even now.
My daily morning prayers always include this prayer of affirmation against all fears. Either we believe it or we don't. As for me, I prefer to believe it and trust in the Lord.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
(Psalm 23)
Fear does not bring love. It brings devastation. Trust the Lord and be His helping hand. Feed his sheep even if it is in such a little thing like not emptying the shelves in the grocery story so that your neighbors can also purchase sustenance for their families. Consider your neighbors and do all that you can to help them, for in them your Lord abides.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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