Hi loyal Gospel Blog reader (or listener),

Today I’m sending a bit of hope your way because things lately have felt heavy. 

The pandemic rages on, shootings occur at various locations and places we wouldn’t expect, gas prices soar, flight delays and cancellations continue, there’s a potential recession in sight … the list goes on and on. (And those are just the big things in the world around us—I didn’t even list the “big things” happening in our own, personal worlds.)

It can be overwhelming. No, actually, it is overwhelming.

Sometimes my mind races at night, wondering what the next stressful situation will be or how much more my brain can handle. I contemplate selling our home and moving our family to a respite place to live in a bubble away from it all. Do you feel this way, too? 

Instead of writing a long post today, I want to leave you with some words of encouragement and an uplifting thought.

When all else fails, I hum the tune to “He’ll Take Care of Me” from the Songs of Zion—because in even the scariest of times, He’s promised to do just that. And afterwards, I remind myself of this verse:

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Our God is bigger than all of the things around us—and He is present in every moment. There’s simply no place He isn’t. Isn’t that a comforting thought? Take a deep breath and let that verse sink in a bit longer. Whatever you are concerned about—your child’s safety at school, your next chemo treatment, the upcoming job interview, your branch or mission, the argument you had with your spouse that’s still lingering—the Lord is in the midst of it all, providing peace along the way.

If you’re going through a trial or merely trying to make it through the day, hang on. Help is on the way. Be open to whatever form it might arrive in.

To close, I leave you with this song of hope—it’s one that has brought me much comfort over the years, and I pray it brings you some, too. 

Sending love and hugs from Cincinnati to wherever you may be in this world,

Sister Natalie

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.