During the coronavirus pandemic (in April of 2020), Pastor Jim wrote the following encouraging reminder from Lamentations. God is with us and continually watching over us; even when things seem like they’re falling over the edge of a cliff.
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Greetings Friends:
PLEASE READ: Lamentations 3:22-26
Without a doubt the current health crisis we are going through is making many if not all of us uncomfortable, fearful, and the future seems mysterious at best. Isn’t it true that the older we get the more we realize that life has a way of taking us 
down roads many of us would rather not travel? With this pandemic much of what we are experiencing is being experienced by everyone around the world. The same emotions and challenges which are upon us are upon everyone wherever they are located.
The pages of Scripture tell us of God’s people who faced uncertain, surprising, and threatening times as well. For example, the Apostle Paul faced all kinds of hardship and difficulty and yet, even while sitting in a jail cell (Acts 16:22-25), he could still sing songs of praise to God. We might ask how could he give thanks to God even though his life was in the midst of uncertainty?
Later Paul writes this, “I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me” (Philippians 4:12-13).
When Daniel learned that his enemies were plotting against him, he didn’t go to pieces or panic. We are told he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God, just as he had done before (Daniel 6:10). What is so profound to note is that in the midst of his unpleasant, uncertain circumstances, the Bible says Daniel “prayed, giving thanks to his God.”
Daniel knew that even though things could have been better, God would always be “his refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
The psalmist writes, “I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips” (Psalms 34:1). You see my friends, praising God as our Source, our Strength, allows us to extend our faith upon the One who promises to be with us and invites us to look to Him for guidance through the circumstances!
That is good news, indeed! AMEN??? 
Sisters and Brothers, we have a God who loves us so much and has promised that His love and mercy will always be with us. I love how David says it in that beloved passage of scripture, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” (Psalm 23:6a). The promise from God’s written words is that there is nothing that can ever separate us from His amazing love (see Romans 8:38-39).
Whatever you and I may be facing right now, God knows. And beyond knowing, the promise of Scripture is that God cares (see Psalms 55:22 & 1 Peter 5:7).
Let us continue to practice the safe recommendations offered by the medical community and authorities so we can keep our families, our neighbors, and ourselves as safe as possible. And let us also continue to trust in God’s promises which are “new every morning”!
Stay safe my Sisters and Brothers! Stay strong! Keep the faith!!!
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