Be careful how you act; these are difficult days. (Ephesians 5:15, TLB)

These are difficult days. The suffering and trials on a worldwide scope compel us to pray without stopping and might, if we’re not careful, tempt us to change the course of what God has called us to do. It feels comforting to stay in when we should be reaching out. Fear is at a fever pitch. Still—there’s no room to doubt God’s control or think for a moment we’re not in His care. Our trust is secure in Him and love is the way we’ll see each other through. This is the time to encourage one another by being present, listening long, and giving generously. We are to bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, NKJV) The things that we see will never alter the plan of God that we can’t fully know. The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. (Psalm 33:11, NIV) We need to hold tightly to one another and love wholeheartedly every day. In confident faith we need to live fearlessly and believe God is our shield, our refuge, and our strength. Loving people well holds a higher purpose than anything else we do…because it offers God the highest praise we can give.

I ask for courage to open my heart and my hand to do Your will, Lord.