Quiet WatersSýnishorn

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6b)

Living in hope 

COVID-19 has—in its own unique way—turned our world upside-down, as the majority of people around the world were forced into some form of lockdown. Fear drove some people to embrace these stringent government regulations and for the first time, they realized they were not in control of their own destinies. 

On the Island of Patmos, the apostle John saw into the future visualising a new heaven and new earth replacing the old (see Revelation 21). In this period of lockdown, ordinary citizens, pastors, doctors, scientists, and governments are doing everything in their power to try to predict a future that they cannot control at the moment. Have you found yourself asking, “What does the future hold for me and my family?” Verse 4 contains words that we all crave to hear now, “wipe every tear, no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain.” Our future is only guaranteed if it is grounded in God Almighty. As believers, our dream of a new heaven and earth cannot only be motivated by our desire to escape the current realities. God specialises in renewing things in our lives. In what ways do you see him renewing things in your own life and those you love? The promise of heaven is real and God—who holds everything in the palm of His hands—is in control of our destiny. The river John saw emanated from God’s throne; it was pure and gave life. The Psalmist (23:6b) assures us that we have a place with God forever.

In these days of uncertainty, how can you and I be instruments of hope to the hopeless? Send a WhatsApp or SMS message to someone who is struggling with the anxieties of an unknown future and encourage them with God’s word. 

Family activity - You will need paper, pens and glue.

Create a collage of friends and family. Paste them on a page and write a poem, song, or prayer for them during this time of lockdown.

Send your words to them via social media or post on them on their social media platform. Remind them that, as a family, you are praying for them during this time.