“My soul dissolves because of grief; renew and strengthen me according to [the promises] of your word.” Psalms 119:28 AMP It’s the end of March right now, and the Corona virus is running rampant throughout our country and world. When I look out our window the sun is shining, melting the patches of snow that remain in our front yard. Everything looks pretty normal except for the eerie hush that surrounds our neighborhood. Most of our neighbors are hunkered down inside their homes. Events in our town have all been cancelled. Restaurants are closed. There’s a sense of curiosity, dread, wonderment, fear, peace, hope, all mixed up in the air. Nobody really knows what will happen next, except God. I know that God knows and for me that brings a sense of peace and hope. Still, it also brings questions. What is going to happen? What is my part and God’s part? How can I keep my family safe? I’ve asked myself all these questions. God does whisper back to me in His familiar comforting voice, “I am your safety, peace, hope, and comfort. I will give you wisdom. I will renew all that is lost, and there will be great celebration!” We need all of these things right now. I like feeling safe. I want continued peace, hope and comfort. I enjoy renewal and celebration. God does not stop there. In His tenderness He challenges me to see the renewal in every day and to celebrate during the crisis. “My soul dissolves because of grief; renew and strengthen me according to [the promises] of your word.” Psalms 119:28 AMP There is grief in times of crisis, yet we can celebrate our God who renews and strengthens us in all the ways that bring peace and hope. God is our storehouse of strength and hope, and we can go to Him each time we seek renewal. “And I will say to my soul, “soul, you have many good things stored up, [enough] for many years; rest and relax, eat, drink and be merry (celebrate continually)…Luke 12:19 AMP If you have times of asking what there is to celebrate in the middle of crisis, let me share with you what I have found. Life. Celebrate every breath you are given. Life. Celebrate the truth that God renewed You at the Cross, and there is nothing on this earth that has power over your soul. Life. Celebrate the people that you love. Each day recognize the amazing gift of who they are. Life. Celebrate the rebirth of spring green leaves. Celebrate the blossoms that pop with color. Celebrate the sun that is beginning to warm the earth. Life. Even in a crisis there is life. Even in pain, loss, and weariness He will offer strength and hope. Even when it feels impossible. Celebrate who He is. The enemy of your soul wants you to fear the unknown that lurks before us. He wants you to shrink back and lose faith in who God is. He wants you to believe that He has power over you. The enemy of your soul is dead wrong! Lift up your hands in celebration, for today is the day to anticipate all that God will do in your life! BETHANY ELLE - GUEST BLOGGERMy name is Bethany. I am a friend and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, I love spending time with him and sharing the stories he tells me with others. I’ve been married for over 36 years and have four sons and one daughter, three daughter in-laws, and seven beautiful grandchildren. God has blessed me with a ministry, Agape Celebration, we focus on celebrating God through art and bringing woman to a place of understanding their identity through Jesus. I love to write and speak about life experiences and the hope of Jesus.
Bethany Elle Founder/President Agape Celebration, Rooted in Mercy www.AgapeCelebration.com, www.Rootedinmercy.com 208-297-2480
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AuthorsHere you will find a mix of encouraging and inspirational articles written from members within the Community of Christian Creatives. Archives
September 2021
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