Finding a Sense of Peace in Unsettled Times
A sense of peace is hard to come by in these strange days we’re living. Life has a surreal quality and I’m not alone in wondering if things will ever be close to normal again.
Finding a Sense of Peace in Unsettled Times
A 2MefromHim Devotional
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
A sense of peace is hard to come by in these strange days we’re living. Life has a surreal quality and I’m not alone in wondering if things will ever be close to normal again.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 #peace #Jesus #fear Share on XWhen I Lack a Sense of Peace
Unsettled thoughts interrupt my prayer time. Matters that were priorities before the quarantine seem amplified by new concerns. I sometimes feel close to tears. We’re separated by social distancing, confused over health guidelines, and our country seems more divided than ever. My heart cries, “Peace, peace, when there is no peace.” Often, I wonder what God is doing through the COVID-19 crisis, earthquakes, fires, and unrest.
Often, I wonder what God is doing through the COVID-19 crisis, earthquakes, fires, and unrest. #COVID19 #fear #God Share on XA Sense of Peace Demonstrated
As I contemplate the mountain views spreading out from my window, it’s obvious that nature isn’t disturbed. The birds sing without care. The trees turn greener by the day. Nothing in the natural world has changed. I’m reminded of Matthew 6, where Jesus reminds us that the birds neither sow or reap, the flowers of the field don’t labor or spin because they know their heavenly Father will take care of all their needs. (Matthew 6:19-24)
I’m not to worry about how our economy or health will survive the pandemic. My hope isn’t in health or government officials. Hope comes from God, the loving Father who knows everything I need. Worry won’t add a moment to my life but it might subtract a few. Stress over relationships, money, or future plans can only bring me harm. My heavenly Father knows what is coming. He sees the future as clearly as he sees today and has seen the past. God’s knowledge of my needs at every moment of my life is perfect. His plans to provide are already in place. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Regaining a Sense of Peace
When Jesus spoke to his disciples before the crucifixion, he knew the dangers they faced, the uncertainty and persecution that would come. He knew their faith would be tested and their hearts confused. They would be afraid and he would no longer be with them in physical form to comfort them. Yet he promised to leave them with peace nothing like they had ever known—a peace that could overcome anything the world brought against them.
The early Christians faced a world every bit as uncertain as our own. Death threatened them because they believed. Yet John wrote, “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5)
My task is to remain in the peace of God. When I feel upset, my thoughts must turn to his promises. My certainty rests in Christ alone. My sense of peace resides in the Prince of Peace who lives within me. I will overcome.
My sense of peace resides in the Prince of Peace who lives within me. I will overcome. #trials #pandemic #Jesus Share on X© Copyright Norma Gail Holtman, May 14, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, BookBub, or Amazon.
Our Reason for Hope When the World Fears
What is the reason for our hope during the COVIC-19 pandemic? In this week after Easter, I am reminded of the lack of hope the disciples experienced following the crucifixion.
Our Reason for Hope When the World Fears
2MefromHim Devotionals
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15
What is the reason for our hope during the COVIC-19 pandemic? Right now, despair is a menacing specter for many. In this week after Easter, I think of the lack of hope the disciples experienced following the crucifixion. They hid in fear, confused, hopeless, and without direction.
Is There Reason for Hope During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Watching the news strikes fear into our hearts through uncertainty about our health and the economy. As Christians, our hope centers on the promises of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him, the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
However, each of us knows people who are lost, fearful, and anxious about what life holds in a post-pandemic world. Jesus Christ is our hope, past, present, and future.
Our Reason for Hope in Every Circumstance
Before his death, Jesus told his followers about the helper they would receive when he was no longer with them. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth…But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:16, 26, 27)
Following the resurrection, those who saw Jesus went forth into the hostile world with fearless confidence. The same enemies surrounded them, certain they had destroyed the threat to their way of life, yet the apostles exhibited power.
Christians have a helper to strengthen them when trials come. #faithinthetimeofcoronavirus #HolySpirit #trials Share on XOur Reason for Hope to Share with the World
In spite of our altered world, we possess the same promises and helper as Jesus’ disciples. The Holy Spirit confers upon the Christian the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead.
First, we study scripture and pray, then we go to our families, friends, and neighbors filled with joy and peace because of the hope within us. Our faith doesn’t rest in human wisdom offered in news reports but in the power of God. Share that hope with someone this week.
Do you hope in human wisdom or the power of God? #wisdom #power #Quarantinelife Share on X© Copyright, Norma Gail Holtman, April 13, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
Easter in Quarantine: Hope for a Frightened World
Easter in quarantine–this Sunday, we won’t dress in our finest and gather in churches to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, even in quarantine, Christians can proclaim the hope of our living Redeemer to those around us.
Easter in Quarantine: Resurrection Hope for a Frightened World
2MefromHim Devotionals
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection… Philippians 3:10
On the first Easter, Jesus’ disciples did not proclaim the Good News of salvation to the world. They hid behind locked doors in fear, much like our quarantine due to COVID-19. This Sunday, we won’t dress in our finest and gather in churches to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, even in quarantine, Christians can proclaim the hope of our living Redeemer to those around us.
On Easter in Quarantine, Christians Must Give Our Fear to God
First, we must give our fear to the Lord and leave it there. Precautions and obedience to laws that keep us safe are wise. Hiding in fear of death is not. Just before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) His question today is the same.
Jesus didn’t welcome the suffering he had to endure any more than we welcome the coronavirus but he prayed for God’s will, not his own. Mark reports that Jesus addressed God as “Daddy.” He prayed, “Abba, Father…everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.” If we truly believe that we have already passed from death to life (John 5:24), we know God is in control no matter what trials come. True faith is trust in the midst of turmoil.
On Easter in Quarantine, We Must Proclaim Our Hope to a Lost and Fearful World
There is no shame in sharing our fears about the pandemic with friends. Common concerns offer a basis to explain our hope. When Jesus appeared following his resurrection, he told the disciples to have peace.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ isn’t only a historical event. The resurrection is power. Ephesians 1:18-20 says believers have an “incomparably great power.” The mighty power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives within us. However, in order for that power to be evident in our lives, we must die to self, lay our fears at Jesus’ feet, and walk in his peace, offering hope to a frightened world. The disciples were fearless after the resurrection.
The disciples were fearless after the resurrection. #courage coronavirus #Easter Share on X
Be Creative This Easter
Though we can’t invite friends and family to church this Easter, we can write notes to unbelievers sharing the reason for our trust in God. Perhaps we can invite them to watch an online church service with us by Facetime, Skype, or Zoom. They might be more open to a service online or television than attending a worship service. Afterward, we can answer their questions.
Our hope is certain. 1 Peter 2:6 says, “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” Jesus is that Cornerstone. We will come through this pandemic as stronger, more confident Christians if we focus on the One who overcame death by the power of the resurrection rather than hiding in fear.
We will come through this pandemic as more confident Christians if we focus on the One who overcame death by the power of the resurrection #victory #COVID19 Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, April 3, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
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Moses and the Exodus Offer Lessons for Our Time
Moses and the Exodus provide many powerful lessons applicable to our time. God’s freeing of the Israelites from Egyptian captivity speaks to the fear rampant during our isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moses and the Exodus Offer Lessons for Our Time
2MefromHim Devotionals
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:9
Moses and the Exodus provide many powerful lessons applicable to the COVID-19 pandemic. God’s freeing of the Israelites from Egyptian captivity speaks to the fear rampant during our isolation.
Just as Israel was held captive by a strong enemy that threatened their ability to live as free people, we are held prisoner by this virus running rampant in the world. The people were afraid, and God sent them a deliverer in the form of Moses. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the confidence that God is in control, just as he showed his power over the mighty Pharaoh.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:9 #salvation #Godislove #hope Share on XGod Protected Moses and the Exodus
During the plagues of Egypt, the Israelites were protected because God wanted Pharaoh to realize there was no one like him in all the earth.
In the way that our protection rests in social distancing and personal hygiene, the safety of the Israelites relied on trusting a strange order from God to Moses. Their firstborn were protected by the blood of a lamb painted on the doorframe. However, they had seen how God shielded them from the other plagues. As believers, we must share our trust in God’s love and control whenever we are able.
Believers must share our trust in God’s love and control whenever we are able... #Christians #Godislove #pandemic Share on XChristians Rest on the Promises of God
Just as the blood of a lamb painted on the doorframe protected the Israelites, Christians have the assurance that the blood Jesus, shed for our sins, covers us with protection. We have forgiveness and eternal life but also abundant life right now. John 10:10 tells us, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NASB) We can live without fear because God is in control. We must share our hope with others.
Pharaoh set the Israelites free after the death of his firstborn. Moses and the Exodus left Egypt with great wealth, because of the Egyptians eagerness to get rid of them. The Christian’s great wealth during times of trial rests on the promises of God.
The Christian’s great wealth during times of trial rests on the promises of God #trials #hope #coronavirus Share on XMoses and the Exodus Remind Christians of Our Hope
In spite of all the miracles God performed, the Israelites rebelled and became afraid once they reached the desert. Likewise, we as believers have stories of how God helped us in the past. But with the drastic, unexpected changes wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to become afraid. Ephesians 1:7-8a reminds us, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
While others panic, the story of Moses and the Exodus reminds us that our hope is in the God who watches over his own. The blood of Jesus sets us free.
Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
Our hope is in the God who watches over his own... #Godisgood #COVID19 #protection Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, March 24, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
When Trust Overwhelms Fear -A 2MefromHim Devotional
Trust overwhelms fear when faith in God drowns out the voice of doubt. A failure to believe God is in control allows the voice of fear to inundate trust with a deluge of doubt.
When Trust Overwhelms Fear
2MefromHim Devotionals
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7
Trust overwhelms fear when faith in God drowns out the voice of doubt. A failure to believe God is in control allows the voice of fear to inundate trust with a deluge of doubt.
Fear threatens everything I know is true when I allow it to control my mind and heart. I can’t think clearly, can’t sleep, can’t eat, and act irrationally.
Trust is the opposite of fear, a deep, unshakeable confidence that everything will be fine, sometimes despite all reason.
Trust overwhelms fear when faith in God drowns out the voice of doubt. #trust #faith #peace Share on X
Trust Overwhelms Fear by God’s Grace
In 2003, I left a routine physical knowing that, in all likelihood, I had cancer. There was a nodule on my thyroid gland. Two members of my family had already experienced cancer. It was my turn. But no tears came.
Thyroid cancer is one of the most curable. However, any cancer diagnosis is uncertain. A supernatural peace filled my heart and trust infiltrated my thoughts.
As I moved through doctor’s appointments, surgery, and a radioactive iodine ablation, trust carried me. It’s not that I have extraordinary faith. I worry and become afraid, sometimes to the extreme. However, I read the Bible and kept my prayer time every day. God’s goodness and grace buoyed my heart with confident trust that never wavered.
Sixteen and a half years later, I revisited the nuclear medicine department for a scan. Once again, I was overwhelmed at the memory of God’s grace through the months of having no thyroid hormone in my body and fatigue so immense I can’t even describe it. Trust overcomes fear when I lean on God’s grace because I lack strength.
Trust overcomes fear when I lean on God’s grace because I lack strength. #grace #God #coronavirus Share on X
Trust Overwhelms Fear When I Believe Who God Says He Is
Psalm 46:10 AMPC says, “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God.” When fear threatens, I must determine to be still and think about who God says he is and what he has done in the past. Jesus calmed the storm with the words, “Peace, be still.” How can I doubt the Son of God who holds power over the waves and wind?
If I truly believe God is who he says he is, I must trust his will. When I struggle, he offers strength if I lean on him. He will never leave or forsake me. The Lord walks beside me, indwells me by his Holy Spirit, and leads me through the Bible and prayer. Choose to act from faith, not fear.
Choose to act from faith, not fear. #courage #trust #coronavirus Share on X
Trust Overwhelms Fear When We Listen to the Voice of God
The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” I must take time to sit in silence and listen for his voice.
Much lesser trials have created far greater fear. God wants me to always experience the level of confidence that I knew during my episode with cancer. When fear threatens to overcome trust, I can remember how he helped me in the past. Power to overcome fear with trust depends on my knowledge of who God is and what he says. The outcome won’t always be according to my desires but it will be in line with his character of goodness and grace.
Trust overcomes fear when I listen to the voice of God more than any other voice that vies for my attention. When I feel fear, I can still choose to act as if I trust and real trust will follow.
When I feel fear, I can still choose to act as if I trust. #trust #fear #pandemic #faith Share on X
Trust Overwhelms Fear When Faith Drowns Out the Voice of Doubt
No matter what plagues us with fear and doubt, God is still on the throne. From the beginning of time, he knew every trial I would face. God knew. God reigns. God enables me to overcome fear if I place my trust in him.
The Great Physician
I know the Great Physician,
He loves me tenderly.
My health and gracious healing
Are His priority.
He gave to me The Comforter,
Who always knows my need.
When all is fear and chaos,
He calms and cares for me.
I need not fear the battle,
No harm can touch my heart.
For Jesus, my Great Healer,
Will always take my part.
And if my body fails me,
He surely will be there.
My Lord will not forsake me,
For heaven awaits His heir.
While here on earth we struggle,
When others think all is lost,
I have peace and hope to offer
For Jesus paid the cost.
What peace His Presence lends me.
What hope I can impart
With others who are struggling,
I share the peacekeeper of my heart.
When Trust Overwhelms Fear -A 2MefromHim Devotional Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, March 14, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
