News of tragedy surrounds us. Illness, trauma, addictions, betrayals, hate, fear, starvation,….the list of “horrible” is endless. People are hurting. We see it globally. We feel it personally. Even the earth is groaning for heaven – as volcanoes erupt and the earth shakes. Tornadoes and floods destroy properties and fires ravage the wilderness. All of creation is crying out to the Creator. Compassion fatigue sets in as the world aches for love and peace and healing and we wonder what difference can we possibly make in this mess. But we DO make a difference – and we have a choice to make about what kind of difference we want to make.
I received three prayer requests before I finished my chores this morning – from family and friends. There is no one untouched by sadness and disappointment. I rested my head on Maddie’s soft, warm belly while I milked her and talked to God. I am so thankful for the small comforts He gives while we wrestle with pain and sadness. Maddie gave me a full quart of milk and a few moments of gentle peace that infused my soul with the HOPE we have in a better place than this temporary home. We forget that when we are overwhelmed with the idea of losing what we have and know, in the here and now.
Home. This isn’t it. The more we love and cling to what we have now, the harder it is to see that God has better waiting for us. Live well and love well while you are here. But keep an eternal perspective to live BEST and love BEST.
H. Heaven-bound: God’s Word promises a whole new creation (Isaiah 65:17, Rev. 21:1, 2 Peter 3:13) and we can trust that it will be good, because God IS goodness (Rom. 8:28, Ps. 34:8, Ps. 31:19, 1 Tim. 4:4). “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
O. Opportunity: Our words and actions, motivated by love and kindness, will bless the individuals we touch. Even small acts of kindness spread’s the love of God to a world so desperate for it. “Make the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph 5:16). “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9) “Let everything that you do be done in love motivated and inspired by God’s love for us.” (1 Cor. 16:14, AMP).
P: Peaceful: We, followers of Jesus and the God who IS love, are called to “make every effort to live in peace with all men.” (Heb 12:); “to live in harmony with one another…so as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Rom. 12:16-18); to “…pursue what makes for peace and mutual edification.” (Rom 14:19). His Word reminds us to be gentle with our words. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your moths, but only such as is good for building up…” (Eph. 4:29).
E: Encouragement: Go straight to the author of encouragement to be lifted up. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Rom 15:13)
We have a hope that we can share – and that is worth lifting our heads and spirits for! May the HOPE of God’s love and plan for you encourage you today. No matter what is going on around you, you have something better waiting for you.
