Faith in a Time of Pandemic – In a Time of Trouble

LXXIV
In a Time of Trouble
(6/9)

The Lord answer you in a time of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you!…May God grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans. (Psalm 20:1, 4)

Most of us are privileged. We have homes in which to shelter. We have enough food. We don’t have to work in unsafe places. We are, for the most part, safe as we consider how to respond to the “reopening of the USA.”

Still, we live in times of trouble. It is important to remember that the Psalmist did not distinguish individual and political, or personal and social. Nor should we, for we are all connected. For the Psalmist, trouble abounds, but the Psalmist also sees protection in the name of God. His words invite us to call on God’s name or Jesus’ name when we are anxious or afraid. God delivered the parents of our faith and God will give you what you need to survive the challenges ahead.

The Psalmist gives us a great promise. The Psalmist invites us to take our heart’s desire to God. To name our deepest spiritual needs and put them in God’s care. God wants you to prosper and grow. God wants you to experience abundant life, for the glory of God is a person fully alive!

Take your deepest needs to God in prayer. Take your heart’s desire to God in prayer. Cry out to God in times of trouble. For the God of our Mothers and Fathers is with you, protecting you, and guiding your path.

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Holy One, I call upon your name. I place all my desires your care. I place the future in your care, and trust your promises. Amen

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Bruce Epperly is a Cape Cod pastor, professor, and author of over 50 books including FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC and GOD ONLINE: A MYSTIC’S GUIDE TO THE INTERNET.