In The Midst of the Pandemic…
As news outlets inundate us with Coronavirus information and infection updates, it is hard to escape the reality of our world’s current situation. As a result, it is easy to experience fear and wonder about the uncertainty of our own personal situation. Will there be sufficient income to sustain me and my family? How long will I need to self-quarantine? Can I handle working from home while still supervising my children who are unable to go to school? How can I possibly manage all this along with all the other situations going on in my life right now?
We are no stranger to uncertain futures, to heartbreak and betrayal, to discouragement. Some have penned these kind of times as Dark Nights of the Soul or as Valleys in the Shadow of Death. Yet, let me remind you that daylight always follows dark nights. Walking through the valleys is a journey and yet eventually, we pass through the valley for God leads us to green pastures and quiet waters where He restores us (Psalm 23).
The ancient Psalmist tells us that whether in the dark night or the shadowed valley, God is still there with us…
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you. (Psalm 139:7-12)
God does not cause our suffering.
Our suffering comes from many sources: abusive decisions of others; the human condition; natural consequences of nature and of sickness; our own unwise decisions; and just the crazy, busy schedules of living. Thankfully, it does not have the last word. Regardless the origins of our sufferings, God is always reaching out to us with grace and mercy to bring healing and strength to us. God did not cause this Coronavirus. Yet, God wants to use this current situation, and all of our sufferings, to remind us to trust Him in the dark nights and the shadowy valleys. There is NO PLACE too dark that can enshroud us from His gracious presence.
As you walk through your dark night or shadowy valley, whether it be the Coronavirus, or maybe even a situation far more devastating, let it draw you to the One who loves you. There is NO PLACE where His Spirit will not find you and walk with you.
The Board of Directors and staff of Hope After Betrayal want you to know that we are praying for you and are here for you through phone and social media support.
Linda Friberg, HAB Board of Directors Chair
