The Weekly Word - A Devotion for the Week of April 6

Apr 4, 2020

The Scripture for today is from Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.

Most of us are undoubtedly not feeling very patient right now. The strain of living in these weeks of uncertainty is beginning to take its toll. As the days tick by and the spread of Covid-19 only seems to accelerate, we might find ourselves asking, as the psalmist did, “How long, Lord, how long?”  

This coming week we enter the holiest time of the Christian year. Holy Week is a time that is both familiar in its rituals and rhythms and yet, at the same time, this year it feels startlingly unfamiliar. We won’t gather with our church community for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday or Good Friday services. We likely won’t make all the usual preparations for Easter Sunday. We won’t celebrate the same way -- dressed in our best clothes, gathered around the dining room table with our extended family. This year, a somber note tinges what is usually a time of joyful anticipation.

Still, as we prepare our hearts and minds for Holy Week and Easter, we are reminded that Jesus came for such a time as this. He lifts us out of the mud and mire of despair; He steadies us when we waver in our hope and faith; He gives us the strength to continue for another day. He is our solid ground. Jesus came to Earth in human flesh, suffered and grieved along with us, and gave up His life for us so that we may have hope and confidence in frightening and challenging times such as these. Though our patience grows thin and our spirits sag, we put our trust in the Lord.

Heavenly Father, You gave us Your Son for moments like these, so that we may have light in times of darkness and despair. Steady me, Lord; quell my anxieties and fears. Give me strength so that I am be strong for others. Help me remember that You gave Your life so that I could have hope always. Amen.


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