A message for the week starting on Sunday 23rd April 2023
Lectionary Week: Third Sunday of Easter
Prescribed Texts: Acts 2:14a, 36-4, Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19, 1 Peter 1:17-23, Luke 24:13-35
Trust in Times of Sorrow
Focus text: Psalms 116:1-4
1. I love the LORD, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy.
2. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.
3. The cords of death entangled me; the anguish of the grave came over me; I was
overcome by distress and sorrow.
4. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “” Lord, save me! “’
In life we are experiencing hurt, sorrow, pain and sickness, but at the end of the day, we endure. David is celebrating and giving thanks to the Lord for rescuing him, something we need to do every day. How many times did you wake up with gratitude, praising and thanking God, while some didn’t get that chance? How many times were you grateful for your next meal whilst others are unsure of theirs? How many times did you thank God for shelter, for the roof over your head?
The Lord has saved us from many challenges in the world. Some of us survived HIV, COVID-19 or other chronic illnesses. Maybe we’ve experienced that God has saved us from accidents or many other life-threatening situations, and we therefore need to give thanks. When we look back at how we overcame these challenges, how we healed from such pain, we might realise that it is through the faith and trust we have in God.
I remember during hard COVID times, when we were terrified, confused and even blaming our government: God listened to our cry. While churches were closed and we so wanted to go to the House of the Lord, God listened to our cries when we longed for fellowship with others. And yet, look at yourself today: here you are and smiling, full of life and energy.
That reminder in our hearts told us that God is still with us, even in times of sorrow. It gave us our energy back and we were able to pray and God HEARD OUR PRAYERS.
The Lord is indeed our Saviour, God saved our lives. And for as long as we are alive, we can only praise God!
To think about:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for saving us in times of troubles and distress!
Thank you for being a loving, caring Father to many of us and our families!
Thank you that you are God and God alone!
Thank you for all the benefits and blessings you have given us!
May we know You more clearly, love You more dearly, and follow You more closely, day by
day. Amen.
Written by: Mpho Lekgetho, trained Churches Channels of Hope (CCoH) facilitator