We’ve all heard how horrible it is to have loved ones in the hospital this year without being allowed in to visit them.  But now I understand; because it has happened to our family.  No, Covid19 is not the diagnosis, but a family member is seriously ill and has been isolated in the ICU of a hospital for a week in another city without visitors.  It is heartbreaking, frustrating, and beyond worrisome not to be able to reach our loved one except by phone.  Oh sure, we got to face-time once, but the camera was pointed above the patient’s bed; and it was hardly an improvement over old-fashioned audio.  Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate the extra effort his nurse made to do that for us.

About the only thing keeping me going now in this circumstance is my faith in God’s promises.  I would like to share these scripture verses:

Isaiah 54 NLT

 …^8b “But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer.  ¹⁰ ”For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you.

When my fears creep upon me in the night as I lie in bed thinking of what may be happening to my sick family member this reminds me to repent of doubt:

Isaiah 55 NLT

⁶ Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near…  ^7b Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously:

⁸ “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. ⁹ For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

^{11 “}It is the same with my WORD. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. ^12a You will live in joy and peace…”

So cling to God’s providential promises in His Word, everyone.  He answers our prayers and provides comfort when we feel sad or alone.  If we fail to grasp a situation with wisdom and grace, God has plenty of both – and He is just waiting for us to spend time with Him in prayer.  He wants to rejuvenate our spirits and fill us with Holy Spirit FIRE!! 

Today may you be blessed by our Good GOOD Father God and enjoy the confidence and serenity of being one of His children.  Worship and give glory no matter the circumstance, and

Photo Credit: Laura Maccabee