Hi everyone,
With a State of Emergency declared for a further 18 months, I imagine that there of those of us who have not taken this news too well. The fact is that life is unpredictable. It is full of ups and downs. This can be an emotionally draining time, full of uncertainty and frustration. As I was listening to the Premier announcing further restrictions, my thoughts turned to a scripture that has helped me through many tough times in the past.
Habakkuk 3:17 ,18 says, “Though the fig tree does not blossom and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet will I rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.”
Often there is no other choice but to praise God through the situation. We see this reflected again in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God concerning you.” So we see that this is God‟s will for his people in all circumstances, to rejoice, to pray and to give thanks. In God‟s presence is fullness of joy. That‟s right where we need to be.
In the meantime, continue to pray for our State and our Nation. Let us lift up the name of the Lord over our region. Let us declare that Jesus is Lord, and that every evil Spiritual influence has to flee in the name of Jesus. Let us pray for wisdom and discernment and integrity for our Political leaders, and for strength for our courageous front-liners dealing with the sick and vulnerable every day. We pray that the State of Victoria will re-open, and business will recover and flourish. We pray for churches to re-open, and for revival to come. Let us pray for those who are suffering from emotional and mental stress through this time, and for those who are going through financial hardship.
If you know of anyone, or you are in any kind of need at this time, please call us, as we do not want to see anyone lacking any good thing. (See contact numbers in the newsletter).
Raise up a hallelujah and keep praising the Lord. He is our refuge, our victory, our comfort and our song. He is our provider, our healer our joy and our strength. “In You, O Lord, do I put my trust”. These are not just trite words, but words we can count on. He is trustworthy, and that is why we can praise Him.
May God bless you and keep you all in His wonderful care.
With love,
Glenda