Sometimes a look back helps us take courage for today, especially when it reminds us that God watches over us, too. Here's one to lift your spirits.
On a cold winter morning, January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 took off from LaGuardia Airport.
Almost immediately the plane hit a large flock of geese, which disabled both engines. Pilots and everyone watching knew they had only minutes to find a place to land.
Only one possibility existed, the frigid Hudson River.
Every watcher agreed the crew and all 155 passengers would surely die, either inside the sinking plane, or by drowning or hypothermia. Rescuers simply could not reach them in time.
Yet every person on the plane made it out and lived.
Reporters breathlessly recounted what they called "the miracle on the Hudson." The name stuck.
Survivors never doubted the truth of that catchy slogan. No "expert" could explain what kept that plane afloat long enough for the rescue.
The same two loving, powerful hands hold us
Rex Babin's cartoon in The Sacramento Bee illustrates a great truth for every believer.
The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:8
Day after day our Heavenly Father watches over us--and our loved ones--with the same tender care depicted in this cartoon.
By faith we know that's true.
On good days it's easier to feel the warmth of his smile and His love for us.
But when the bottom drops out of our world
We may forget and take our eyes off Jesus when trouble comes.
These are extraordinary times. It's as if we've been dropped into this Covid-19 pandemic and we're wondering how we got here. We want to gather with those we love and hug them close, but we're not supposed to leave our homes.
"Social distancing" leaves us without the human closeness that helps reassure us.
Instead we have tragedy and fear and scary numbers, over and over and over. And we can't help wondering, will our family members survive? Will we?
What will happen afterward--and what will life look like then?
No one can say and we quake within, wondering. But our loving Father says,
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:1
Our call is to keep trusting, whatever comes.
It helps to take time reading God's written word, the Bible, and plant his truths in our minds and hearts.
Repeating verses aloud can help us get through whatever comes. Remembering them when we wake with a racing heart helps quiet our anxiety.
You probably have your own favorites. Here are some of mine, all NIV unless noted.
Cast all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Our loving Father holds each of us safe and secure. And because of Jesus, he looks at us with love.
Yes, that goes beyond our human understanding--and it's meant to, for He is Almighty God and we are only human.
Today and every day, may you know His peace.
Lenore
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Faithfulness-Of#sthash.mZBd0t36.dpufThe LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
- See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Faithfulness-Of#sthash.mZBd0t36.dpL