Author: Chad Bandy

You lost your job.

Your house burned to the ground and everything was destroyed.

You lost a friend or family member in a accident.

You were betrayed by a friend or relative and the relationship is permanently strained.

Our world is unpredictable, unfair, and frequently not easy to cope with.  We feel like our lives are going well and then, out of nowhere, tragedy strikes. Your world will never be the same.  It can feel nearly impossible to deal with the intense feelings of sadness, loss, or mistrust.

Our God is a loving God who is a “refuge” in times of trouble.  The peace in our hearts that comes from trust and belief in our Father is unimaginable.  We are incapable of ridding ourselves of earthly feelings of sadness and loss if we focus on forgetting them through our own doing.  If we try to fight through tribulations without the assistance of our Father, it can be next to impossible.

How can you be ok when it does not seem like you should be ok?  How can you have hope, cope and be positive when your world is collapsing around you?

As a Christian, we believe that Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins.  We know that the world we live in now is not the world we will live in forever.  The pain we feel now is “temporary.”  The years of tribulations felt on earth seem like an eternity.  It may seem like the suffering on this earth drives us to question the existence of a God.  But we know that our salvation comes from faith in our Lord.

Prophets and apostles tell us throughout the Bible that God is with us, no matter how awful or difficult the situation.

Anxiety: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  1 Peter 5:7

Sadness: He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Fear: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6

Trust: One who has unreliable friends soon come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  Proverbs 18:24

Temptation: No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind, and God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so you can endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13

We worship a loving God who provides us solace and peace at the most trying times.  All we have to do is ask for the Holy Spirit to move our hearts and minds to peace.  God cares about your burdens and wants to resolve the conflict and sadness in your heart.  Just ask Him for strength and guidance.

Lord Jesus. Help us to turn to you in times of trouble and need.  You are our refuge and strength and we should not take on our burdens without you.  We know this world is temporary and we long for the day when we can be with you in Heaven.  Amen

“And then being assembled together with them, He commanded them to not depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, which, He said, ‘you have heard from me’.”  Acts 1:4

The setting of this verse is after Jesus had died and resurrected.  The apostle Luke wrote in Acts that Jesus appeared before the disciples many times.  Jesus was preparing the disciples for their ministry. This particular time he foretold of the disciples being granted the power of healing and to perform miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Bible tells us that the disciples performed many miracles along their journeys while they preached Christianity around the world.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with the other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4

The disciples followed Jesus because he delivered on His promises.  Jesus modeled the traits of His Heavenly Father while He was on earth.

Father is a powerful word in our lives.  The mention of that word may evoke feelings of warmth and admiration or emotions of disappointment and sadness.  The relationship that we have with our earthly father, good or bad, may have a meaningful impact on how we view a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Is the word father a positive or a negative word for you?  Do you (or did you) have a father that delivered on his promises?

I am fortunate to have a wonderful earthly father.  He has been a mentor, counselor, comforter, intercessor, advocate, and when needed, a disciplinarian.   I believe my relationship with my earthly father allows me to know and yearn for an even better relationship with my Heavenly Father.  I am thankful everyday for the lessons taught to me by my earthly father.

Perhaps you did not or do not have a good relationship with your earthly father. Maybe you don’t know your earthly father or the thought of the word father does not inspire you to have a relationship with God the Father.  I can assure you, there is a Heavenly Father who loves you unconditionally and wants a relationship with you.  A relationship with your Heavenly Father will be very different than your earthly father.

We love and admire people who make us feel great and whom we trust.  We want to spend time with those that love us unconditionally and value us for who we are, flaws and all, and forgive us when we are out of line.  The best relationships are filled with honesty, candor, and the truest sense of expressing and acting on what is right for a person, even when they may not want to hear it at the time.

Our Heavenly Father wants one thing from us, follow Him.  God the Father has never promised us a life of joy and happiness every day.  In fact, our Heavenly Father is quite honest that our lives on earth will be filled with challenges and tribulations.  James, the brother of Jesus, said in James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:23-26 is “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.”

Did you catch that?  God could condemn us for the sins we commit today, tomorrow, and every day thereafter.  But, He chose to forgive us.  He wants to us to ask for His forgiveness and be honest with our sinfulness and understand the sacrifice that Jesus made with this death on the cross.  No other Father will love you as much as your Heavenly Father.  He knows by our nature, we are sinful beings.  We say and do bad things each day and have no idea why we did them.  And then, we repeat them again the next day.  It does not matter what the sin is, no matter how bad, your Heavenly Father will forgive you.  All you have to do is ask.

Given the love God shows and his demonstrated actions of forgiveness, and fulfilling His promises, that is the kind of Father that I want to have a relationship with.

Heavenly Father.  Thank you for your constant patience and forgiveness of my sins.  You are a good Father.  You are worthy of my praise and devotion.  You deliver on your promises each day and I want a relationship with you.  Please wash over me with your grace and peace.  Amen

Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin

If I asked you to describe God, what would you say?  Is He loving?  Is He caring?  Does He show His love for you?

The thoughts I consistently have about God are interpreting the things I read in the Bible and comparing to the world we live in today.  That is when things get difficult, and complicated.

It is fair to say that trying to compare or analyze the Bible and the application to our lives today can be a challenge.  As a student of the Bible, I get “stuck” many times trying to understand the meaning of various passages and parables.  What does this mean and how can I apply this?  Scripture is not always easy to understand, but what I have come to realize, is that a lack of understanding does not mean it does not apply to my life.  I just need to be patient and seek to understand.

What I have learned is that God is very patient with us and has communicated what our life will be like with Him and without Him.  He demonstrates throughout scripture His love for us, and ultimately His desire for us to follow Him.  God’s demonstrations of love can be clearly articulated by digging into scripture and reading His Word.

2 Peter 3:9 says “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (NKJV)

God’s relationship with man changed when He sent His Son, Jesus, to live on earth as a human.  God sent his Son to model a sinless life, preach God’s word directly to His people, and bring us to love Jesus and be saved.  In Mathew 5:1-8, Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” is chronicled to provide us eight ways to live our life.  Jesus says, “Blessed are…”

1. Those that are poor in spirit
2. Those who mourn
3. Those who are meek
4. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
5. Those that show mercy
6. Those that are pure in heart
7. Those that are peacemakers
8. Those that are persecuted for righteousness sake

Jesus was direct throughout his time on earth speaking of pain, tribulations, and the challenges of this world. The most profound experiences, trials, tribulations, and unfortunately suffering, can be the moments in which we build the most character.  Suffering and angst are horrible at the time but can have the most lasting impact on us and can strengthen our resolve and ability to overcome adversity. Scripture speaks frequently of adversity and provides us the roadmap to contentment and happiness.

Do you have a relationship with God?  Do you trust that He loves you?

Perhaps you struggle wondering how there is a God if He would “allow” tragedy, sadness, and hate in our world.  If you are looking for answers, my response is to dig into your Bible and seek to find what God says.  God never promised life would be easy.  God has never committed that we would be happy and fulfilled all the time.  In fact, Jesus spoke openly how we should not commit ourselves to love this world, but focus on following Him to pursue a righteous path to Heaven. God’s desire is for us to repent and follow Him, but the choice is ours.

My challenge to you is to not reject God because of the bad in the world or the unhappiness in your life. Run towards Him, not away from Him.  You will find the answers you are looking for, but not always in the timeframe you may want them. God is patient with us and wants us to love Him because we want to love Him not because we have to.  When we TRULY place our trust in the hands of the Lord, the Bible says in one my favorite verses, Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Lord Jesus, calm our hearts and minds.  Help us to see You at work and seek to understand how to apply your Word each day.  We know you love us Lord, and we trust You.  We seek not acceptance in this world but yearn to be with you in Heaven.  Lord Jesus, please be with us on our earthly journey and we ask to feel your presence guiding us and leading us along the way.  Amen

Where were you born?  Where did you grow up?  What city are you from?  The Bible makes reference to different groups of people as Jews, Gentiles, Romans, Ethiopians, and the like.

Since civilization began, we have given names or labels to people to describe them. Names derive from where someone is from, their religion, their language, or sometimes the color of their skin.  Maybe you are a Texan, Bostonian, Californian, or a New Yorker. Labels are relevant today in a world addressing racism.

What I do know is that those have a true heart for Jesus love and support all people, dialects, skin colors, and languages.  Sadly, some of the most hateful and horrible instances of racism have come from people who call themselves “Christians.”  Sin is prevalent in all of us but most disappointing is the underlying hate or silence from Christians who claim to follow Christ.  Their action or inaction is no different than those who openly discriminate.

Martin Luther King Jr said “History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”

To truly have a heart full of Jesus and glorify Him, we must be honest with ourselves. Do we discriminate?  Are our thoughts and hearts pure?  I am focused on removing any bias from my heart and mind, so I can openly listen and understand.  I may never know what true discrimination feels like but I want to impact change in the circles of my world.

We are human and the Bible says we will all stand before the throne of God some day, “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Revelations 7:9).  I commit to being an example and activator of positive change in my family and community.  I commit to praying for the conversion and cleansing of hateful hearts.  I commit to calling out direct and indirect actions of discrimination and bias.

Matthew 2:23 says “And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which as spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.’”  Beside Nazarene, Jesus carried many labels and ultimately was murdered by people who hated him.  He was crucified and suffered a horrific death because of his ministry.  Even through the persecution, discrimination, and strife, Jesus taught love and forgiveness.

I would ask that we all be honest with ourselves to understand how we can contribute to an equitable world.  How can we genuinely listen, remove our bias, and rid ourselves of naivety related to discrimination?  Take action, speak up, be an example, and advocate to be a Godly person, even when no one is else is watching.  Let’s start with ourselves and impact change and a movement in our hearts and homes first.

Please pray for divine intervention in hearts, minds, and relationships.   Please pray that the Holy Spirit will use this time to glorify His Kingdom, bring love into hearts and souls, encourage repentance, and pray that the offenders of prejudice will be changed and fall into the loving arms of Jesus.

Our country is in a state of turmoil. People are hurting emotionally and many, financially. Each day seems to reveal another challenge. The lingering impacts of COVID-19, add on the horrible instances of racism along with riots and protests, are the making of a tumultuous time.

The Bible tells us in Genesis that God created created the world without sin. Man brought sin into God’s perfect creation. The Bible tells stories of deceit, jealously, adultery, and murder. All created by the selfishness of man. Unfortunately, since the beginning of time, man has defied God and allowed our sins to pull us away from Him, which includes racism and discrimination.

Our Lord tells us in Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” How does Christ feel about different colors, race, or people? I encourage you to take a few minutes and read these verses in the Bible to see what our Lord says about mankind and His creation.

• Galatians 3:28
• Acts 10:34-35
• Colossians 3:11
• Romans 2:9-11
• John 13:34
• Revelations 5:9-10
• Proverbs 31:8-9
• Acts 10:15-48
• Colossians 3:10-16

What causes us to fear and discriminate against our fellow man? Jesus said in John 8:15-16, “You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgement is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me.”

As has been stated by many, racism is a sin issue, not a skin issue. When we follow the ways of the world, we are drawn to corrupted thinking that pulls us away from Jesus. When we stop reading our Bibles and God’s word, the devil pulls apart our conviction and resolve to follow Christ’s teachings and example.

Hall of Fame player and coach Tony Dungy recently stated “I believe it has to start with those of us who claim to be Christians. We have to come to the forefront and demonstrate the qualities of the One we claim to follow, Jesus Christ. We have to be willing to speak the truth in love but we have to recognize that we are not fighting against other people. We are fighting against Satan and his kingdom of spiritual darkness.”

Plain and simple, Satan drives us to discrimination, hate, and violence. The world needs Jesus. Jeremiah 10:16 says “for He is the maker of all things. And Israel is the travel of His inheritance; The Lord of hosts is His name.” Our Lord made us and this world perfect, without sin. We brought sin into God’s perfect creation.

John’s vision, recorded in Revelations 7:9 reads “After these things I looked, and behold a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” The Bible clearly states that “all nations, tribes, and people” will stand before God. We are all equal in God’s kingdom and therefore we should treat everyone in God’s own image on earth.

Lord God, please heal us. We are in need of your grace and love. We ask for your strength in our lives each day to point us in the right direction. Give us the judgement and wisdom to follow your Word and not the ways of this world. Allow us to feel your divine presence as we choose to change our neighborhoods and communities through our own example, which “surpasses all understanding.” Amen

Today, we recognize those that paid the ultimate price, giving their lives for our country. Memorial Day is a day to remember the loss of life for our country and freedom. As a combat veteran friend of mine points out, there is no such thing as wishing anyone a “Happy Memorial Day.” Today is not a celebration day for veterans and families of those lost. Thank you to the service men, women, as well as their families, that have paid the ultimate price through the loss of their life or that of a loved one.

Carrying on the theme of sacrifice, the Bible chronicles the life of Jesus in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We follow Jesus’ humble birth to his brutal death. Our God loved us so much, He sent His only Son to earth to model and espouse true devotion and faith to our Father. Jesus was so many things in His short life on earth.

Jesus showed empathy. He witnessed to the worst of the worst, those who many did not deem worthy of salvation. Jesus spent time with and utilized thieves, prostitutes, and murderers to spread the Gospel. He preached the Gospel to and saved the forgotten and demonstrated for us that His love has no boundaries.

Jesus modeled forgiveness. He was hated and loathed by many during His time on earth. He was despised for His teachings, the miracles He performed, and His claims to be God’s Son. Still, He did not resent or hate those that hated Him. He still prayed for, forgave, and died for the people who murdered Him.

Jesus showed us love. Jesus said “I am the shepherd,” using the example of His people being like sheep. A shepherd protects all of his sheep equally and will leave his flock to find even just one lost sheep. He wants everyone in His creation to follow Him, and believe in Him, but when we stray, the Bible tells us in Matthew 18:10-14 that Jesus will still seek us out wanting a relationship with us. Jesus guards his flock and He is love.

Revelations is a complex book of the Bible that speaks about the “end of time.” Not the end of the world, but the end of the world as it exists today. Christ will come again to save the world from sin and death and take His followers to Heaven. The description of the “end,” is known to be chronicled in the the scroll with seven seals, prophesied to the prophets Ezekial and Daniel, which will outline how the world will “end.” The Bible tells us when the “end” comes, those that know Jesus will ascend to Heaven and spend eternity with Him. Those that do not, unfortunately, will spend eternity in Hades (hell).

Revelations 5:5 tells us “But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.’” Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. John writes in Revelations that the only individual capable of revealing God’s plan is Jesus. Jesus saved us with His death and resurrection and He will save us again when He removes the seven seals of the scroll and make known God’s plan.

We can be thankful that our God sent a perfect person to be the perfect Savior. Our God seeks a relationship with us, and it is our choice to love Him. Our God does not force devotion and love to Him but gives us the free will to believe. I encourage you to spend time reading about Jesus and His perfect life in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to discover why Jesus is the perfect “I am.”

When you hear the word king, what does it mean to you? Webster’s defines “king” as “a male monarch of a major territorial unity who hold a position, especially one whose position is hereditary and who rules for life or a paramount chief; one that holds a preeminent position, especially: a chief among competitors.”

History tells us that kings have not always been the greatest men.

Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. – Lord Action

Has there ever been a king that served their people with selfless devotion? Has there ever been a king that was a perfect person, without sin? Has there ever been a king that died and rose from the dead, for their people?

Jesus is our King and He was perfect. He loves everyone, sinners and all. He modeled unconditional love and devotion during His time on Earth. He witnessed with reverence and care for His people. He carried the burden during His ministry, knowing He would ultimately be persecuted and murdered by the very people He was sent to save. Has mankind ever seen a greater demonstration of love?

The wonderful peace about our faith as Christians is that our King is the “King of all Kings.” Jesus was sent to Earth to save us from a broken world. Our King died for us.

Psalm 74:12 says “For God is my King from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.”

Even at our worst, God loves us. He created us and wants us to love Him. That is why He sent us Jesus, our King, to save us through His crucifixion and resurrection.

One of my favorite Christian songs is “King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship. Please take a few minutes and listen to the song. My favorite lyrics are the last line of the song.

By His blood and in His Name
In His Freedom, I am set free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me.

Jesus is the ultimate King, who used His ultimate power for our ultimate good. Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Praise the Spirit, three in One!

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the ultimate King. I praise you for your selfless gift, to give your life for us. I know that I am a sinner and that I don’t deserve that gift. But, I thank you and praise you for your love for me. Please help me feel your presence and influence in my life. I want a relationship with you. Thank you for my salvation. Amen.

One of the most unknown figures of the Bible, is Jesus’ father Joseph. Even though little is known about his life, he was a man whose strong belief and conviction to do the “right thing” will live in infamy.

Joseph had immeasurable impact on the world. Even though he was last mentioned in the Bible when Jesus was 12 years old, we can take away solid lessons from how Joseph lived his life.

When confronted with the news that Mary, his wife-to-be, was pregnant, the Bible says Joseph was going to quietly break off the engagement. Joseph and Mary had not consummated their marriage and Joseph knew he was not the baby’s “father.” The New King James Version of the Bible in Matthew 1:19 said “being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.” Even though Joseph was likely devastated, hurt, embarrassed, and terribly disappointed, he was going to act in manner that showed dignity towards Mary. Tradition, at the time, could have allowed for Joseph to rebuke Mary and have her stoned.

When confronted with embarrassing situations, when we are disappointed by our circumstances or how it will “look to other people,” how do we react? Many times when we are hurt, we lash out with words or emotions, seeking revenge on the other person. Sometimes our emotions and vindictive minds get the best of us. The feeling of embarrassment drives us to revenge, seeking to hurt the other person more than they have hurt us. We react before we think and we are at our worst. Maybe that is just me.

Matthew 1:20 tells us that an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him “do not be afraid to take you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Verse 23 says “Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, “God with us.”

Thankfully, Joseph listened to God’s command. Rather than allow his earthly emotions to influence his actions, he followed the Lord’s guidance. That was a decision that we should forever be grateful for. It is hard to imagine the impact on Jesus’ life if Joseph would not have married Mary, and left her to be a single mother.

There are so many great things about Joseph and his decision. Here are a few traits that I admire about Joseph.

1. Obedience – He followed God’s word even though he knew he would face negative consequences.
2. Compassion – He was there for Mary with the birth of Jesus and took on the role of his legal and earthly father.
3. Integrity – He fulfilled his commitment to wed Mary and raised Jesus with good spiritual training.
4. Faith – Regardless of the earthly shame, he believed in God’s word.

Life brings tough decisions. Emotions are powerful. Our thoughts drive our actions. The control of our thoughts and reactions are what we turn to God for. He will guide us and lead us. We need to trust Him.

If you are in a time of need, and need to make tough decisions, turn to Jesus. He will be your guiding light.

Lord God, please wash over me with your loving grace and help me navigate my life. Please provide me clarity and understanding. Please clear my head of the stress and anxiety and wash over me with your divine presence. I trust you Lord. I know you love me and want what is best for me. Thank you for all you have done for me and I praise your Holy Name. Amen.

He has Risen…He has Risen indeed!

Happy first day after celebrating the resurrection of our risen Lord.

What do you do when the world seems to be crumbling around you? Do you exercise, read, journal, or perhaps meditate?

Stress and anxiety are certainly emotions many of us are feeling during this season of our lives. Whether it is the loss of a job, reduction in pay, the anxiety and fear of becoming ill, kids at home 24/7, or just the inability to leave our home.

As I have thought about stress reduction, I found an article on WebMD that lists ten techniques to assist with stress. “10 Relaxation Techniques that Zap Stress Fast.” Here is the author’s top ten suggestions.

1. Meditate
2. Breathe Deeply
3. Be Present
4. Reach Out
5. Tune Into Your Body
6. Decompress
7. Laugh Out Loud
8. Crank up the Tunes
9. Get Moving
10. Be Grateful

I count at least six of the ten where focus on our faith can be included. Meditation, breathe deeply, be present, and decompress can include prayer. Crank up the tunes and get moving can include Christian music.

Music is THE medium that moves me and relaxes me. Songs move my heart and reach me at levels that words do not. I am brought to tears many times during our services at Cornerstone Chapel by our amazing worship band. As Psalms 32:7 says “…You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.”

I have become a big fan of Christian singer Jeremy Camp. His life story has been chronicled in a riveting movie that can be streamed online called “I Still Believe.” During this pandemic, Jeremy wrote a song called “Whatever May Come” (click link to listen) that I have listened to several times over the past few days. Jeremy and his wife, Addie, posted the song on You Tube as they sang the song for the first time! So simple but so good at explaining our Savior and how “He holds us” during the tough times and “the King will make things new.” I would encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to the song.

Bring your worries to Christ and as Philippians 4:7 says “the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Dear Heavenly Father,

Whatever may come of these difficult economic times, this incredibly fearful disease, closure of school, sports, and extracurricular activities, separation from family and friends, this emotional and trying time like no other that the majority of this population has ever had to bear witness…may You be the brightest light, a pivotal guide, our everlasting strength, the source that we all seek for comfort and peace, and for all non-believers to be brought to You and become the shelter that they seek. I fall to my knees and ask you to make all of us new in You and strive to follow this awakening that we will persevere through. Please continue to hold me, my family, and friends in your hands and may we always feel your ongoing presence in our hearts and minds. Amen. (Prayer by Kimberly Bandy)

Have you ever cried out to God in sadness or frustration? Have there been times in your life where you were troubled and felt overwhelmed? I know I have <insert COVID19 virus here.> Certainly, given the worldwide pandemic, we can all relate to feeling troubled and being filled with uncertainty.

The 77th chapter of Psalm begins with with author talking about “crying out to God” because his “spirit was overwhelmed.”

“I cried out to God with my voice— To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭77:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There are many people right now feeling not so great about their lives. Their lives have been disrupted and will never be the same. Major life events have been altered, graduations and school cancelled for the year, sports discontinued, jobs lost, as the entire world has been shut down. Could God have a greater purpose for our lives with this pandemic? Is God trying to send us a message?

I was inspired by a message this past week from Max Lucado. Mr. Lucado referenced the book of Lamentations, in which Jeremiah cried out to God in frustration. Lamentations chapter 3 begins with Jeremiah expressing his frustration as the Jewish people had been overtaken by the Babylonians and Jerusalem was destroyed. Is it ok to cry out to God and express our frustration? Yes. Jeremiah cried out to God in Jeremiah 3:1-20 and spoke to his frustration and sadness related to the state of his life. Jeremiah then rallies in verse 21 and 22 and refers to “his hope” and that “God’s mercies are new every morning.”

Back to Psalms. The Psalmist evolves later in chapter 77 to recognize God for His wonders.

“You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭77:14‬ ‭NKJV

In the midst of frustration, turmoil, or disappointment, we can cry out to God to express our sadness and vulnerability. Prophets in the Bible did this frequently. God loves us and wants to know our pains and disappointments. He wants us to recognize that through Him, we can find peace and fulfillment in every situation. Even though our current circumstances may seem insurmountable or impossible, through Christ, we can find hope. Christ wants us to turn to Him and rely on His love and mercy to fulfill us. We will not gain hope through our focus and desire for fulfillment in this world. Only in Christ, will we find peace and purpose.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” is the verse that keeps coming to my mind. People change, lives are improved, and sinners become clean through Jesus Christ. Jesus wants a relationship with you. Talk to Him. Tell Him about your happy times, your frustrations, and your doubts. Every good relationship revolves around communication. Tell Christ what troubles you, acknowledge His presence in your life, and He will bring you peace.