Dear Friends,
After Covid-19 caused so much heartache last year, this year is perhaps even worse - lives continue to be at risk, the economy reels under the restrictions ”“ not to mention the recent fires and floods in many parts of the world. And now Afghanistan. Shock and disbelief at the unfolding tragedy dominate the media. If we feel so much anguish for the victims of war and plague, how much more God’s heart of love must ache?
The other day we came together as a community to reflect on a Bible passage Mother Basilea spoke about many years ago:
"I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him” (Isaiah 8:17 NIV).
The prophet Isaiah was speaking to the people of Israel, who were going through a hard time, a time of judgement when God seemed to be hiding His face.
How should we think and behave at such a time when God seems to be hiding His face from us? Leading up to this verse Isaiah says: "Don’t believe their every conspiracy rumour. And don’t fear what they [the masses] fear ”“ don’t be moved or terrified. Fear nothing and no one except Yahweh, Commander of Angel Armies! Honour him as holy. Be in awe before him with deepest reverence!” (Isaiah 8:12”“13 TPT)
What does that mean practically? Don’t keep talking about the bad news ”“ rumours, terror attacks, invasion of anti-God forces and subsequent horrors… Rather, keep looking to the Lord in everything that happens. Ultimately He is in control. We belong to Jesus, our Saviour and Bridegroom of our souls. Focus on God. Talk about Jesus. Call on His name. Then all of a sudden the terrors and threats will fade away and the all-powerful God stands there. He is in charge. He dominates the scene.
Yes, "I will wait for the LORD.” Every time we feel afraid or hear of something terrifying, let us think of the Lord’s promise and pray aloud: I will wait for the Lord. I will look to Him for help. All power is His in heaven and on earth. And there is nothing that He can’t deal with. No one is more loving or caring than Him. (based on an oral message by Mother Basilea Schlink)
In many situations we won’t know the answer or which decision to make. This is where the Lord asks us to look to Him and to trust Him. We have His promise: "I will be your light forever. Your days of sorrow will come to an end” (Isaiah 60:20 NIRV).
May the Lord bless, guide and strengthen you in all that you are facing.
The Evangelical Sisters of Mary at Darmstadt, Germany
For further reading, see In Him Will I Trust, Hidden in His Hands
https://www.canaaninthedesert.com/product/in-him-will-i-trust/
https://www.canaaninthedesert.com/product/hidden-in-his-hands-devotional-readings/