Scripture is a Source of Hope in Troubled Times
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Often times, we look around at the world and wonder what is going on. Are we overly cautious? Are we under prepared? How do we make sense of things? How do we figure out what to do?
Well, first off; it is good to know that we are not alone. We can cry together, laugh together, and rely on each other. We can pray for each other when we are alone. And we can pray together over the phone; in email or text; or after we have some on-line reflection or sermon. Furthermore, we have a loving God who cares for us. Prayer is a powerful thing that connects us, not only with each other, but also with the God who sustains us. Scripture offers us words from real people. People who are struggling and coping with real issues; both joyful and stressful.
I picked out a few of my favorite Bible passages that give me hope and printed them below. AND since we have plenty of time on our hands, I made it challenging to find out which verses are from where. Can you match the passages with the Bible verses? You can guess OR you can look up the verses listed below and match them up! Or you can just read them and find some comfort in the Holy Words inspired by God.
-May the peace of God, which passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. (prayer based on Philippians 4:7)
-Ytsur Rotsap
a. 1 Peter 5:10 b. Romans 8:24-25 c. Romans 5:2-5 d. Jeremiah 29:11 e. Psalm 46: 1-2, 9 f. John 14:1 g. Joshua 10:25 h. Isaiah 43:1-2 i. 2 Timothy 1:7 j. Isaiah 40:31
(look for the hints in the parenthesis)
1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea. Be still, and know that I am God! (This would make a really good song)
2. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. (Rock solid advice)
3. But those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Prophetic words)
4. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. (Even plans for a bullfrog?)
5. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Legions have heard this advice)
6. But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Prophetic follow-up)
7. And [he] said to them, "Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous; for thus the LORD will do to all the enemies against whom you fight." (I’m not kidding)
8. …We boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (I don’t think I need any more character thank you very much. But I could use a toga party after all that.)
9. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. (Don’t have to tell me twice)
10. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” (This is Good News)
*******Check with me tomorrow for the answers and explanations of the clues!