Here are a few pieces that encouraged me this week.
Providence
The Severe Mercy of a Stay at Home Order
“What the virus means for evil, perhaps the Lord means for our good. If anything, no matter how you’ve been affected by this shut-down, even if significantly, it can strengthen your faith and bring you into a closer reliance upon the One who never changes, never leaves, and never forsakes.” —Jared Wilson
5 Marks of Contentment
One mark is this: A contented spirit is a thankful spirit. “Scripture reminds us to give thanks in everything (1 Thess. 5:18). When we are content, we spy mercy in every condition and have our hearts laminated with thanksgiving. Anyone can thank God for prosperity, but the contented person blesses him when afflicted (2 Cor. 6:10; Phil. 4:9–11).” —Erik Raymond
God’s Nature
Who carries whom?
“One of the greatest things you can do in times of distress and uncertainty is to learn who God is.” —Sam Powell
Christian Living
Fear Not, for I Am With You
“Fear cripples people. It is a plague that can ravage the people of God and hinder us from walking confidently with our God and doing His will. When we are overwhelmed by the ‘giants in the land,’ the only thing that can displace our fear is the powerful presence of God.” —Eric B. Watkins in the lastest issue of Tabletalk magazine, which is, providentially, all about fear.