Hope 

When the lockdown started, a whole host of feelings began to fill my head and life. Many of you might have felt the same way, as this is a situation most of us have not experienced in our lives. Sadness, loneliness and frustration were just three of these feelings and emotions. The thought of having to be ‘stuck in’ within 4 walls for three weeks, plus juggling working from home with home schooling my son, was so overwhelming. I was left feeling ‘I can’t do this!’.
 
Maybe this really resonates with you, or perhaps you are feeling the complete opposite and enjoying the time and quiet at home. It is important to remember that we are all different and this time will be affecting everyone differently. Wherever you find yourself right now, hope is something we all need to have in our lives!



The ‘Thank you NHS’ rainbows that lots of people are creating for their windows, cars, walls etc are a reminder of that hope, because a rainbow always comes after the rain - the rain representing those bad or difficult times in our lives. The brightness and all the different colours in a rainbow are like God’s promise of hope. Next time you see a rainbow, whether in the sky or someone’s window, think about this!
 
Throughout the first three weeks of lockdown (and the continuing weeks), a bible verse kept coming up in my daily bible readings and daily devotionals. The verse is from 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verses 16-17 (NIV):

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

 
Despite how we might be feeling amidst this uncertain time, we can be strengthened through God and trust in His hope. He does not want to harm us, but instead give us hope through Him. Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11 (NIV) tells us this:
11 For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
 
Hope sustains us and keeps us going in our lives and there is always hope in every situation, whether good or bad. Reach out to others who need hope in their lives to help them, remotely at the moment.
 
God will work His way through this pandemic, we need to keep our eyes focused on Him and trust in that great hope that we are promised.
 
Below are some links to two songs for reflection.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29IxnsqOkmQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAle3dI8NYM
 
Kim