That’s Blessed Assurance!

“And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”  Genesis 28:15

Well, here we are self-isolated. This virus is really making a nuisance of itself, and I can’t help but think that this whole thing plays right into Satan’s hands. We can’t go to church, and we can’t associate with our church family during a time when we are feeling scared and vulnerable. This is a time when we need to be with God’s people for support and encouragement, but we can’t be.

The good news is that while we may be unable to directly fellowship with other Christians, nothing can stop us from communing with God. As individuals, we can choose to make this time of isolation profitable to our Christian lives. It’s time to get back to the basics.

Take time to read the Bible. There are so many encouraging verses, like the one for today. God is with us, and He will keep us safe even if we have to venture out into the wild! Not sure where to start? Go to the book of Psalms. There are so many verses that can lift your spirits! “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)

Take time to pray. Just have a wonderful, unrushed conversation with God. He loves hearing from each of us. “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)

Take time to meditate upon the things of God. Listen to godly music, read godly literature, tune in to godly podcasts. Let His Spirit illuminate your thoughts as you seek Him through different avenues. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

Take time to teach these things to your children. After all, modeling is one of the best ways to imprint habits upon our children. Family devotions and prayer time, as well as setting time aside to worship God together as a family will reap eternal benefits! “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Finally, take time to dwell on things that are godly and true instead of the rumors and social media posts that are so prevalent during this time. Satan would love to demoralize us with the fluctuating statistics, the unsubstantiated predictions, and the continued unknowns about covid-19. Let’s not allow him to invade and capture our thoughts. Instead, fill your mind with the things that are positive and of God. “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Remember, to take every opportunity to share with others the reason for your joy despite the circumstances of self-isolation. God promises to be with us, keep us safe, and deliver us. We have nothing to fear! “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

(from “Blessed Assurance” by Fanny Crosby)

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

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Have a great day with the Lord!