The year “2020” will be a year that will never be forgotten. Its wrath has been felt around the world. This pandemic has caused millions of people to lose their lives. It has shutdown governments around the world; some small businesses have gone under. It has affected every area of our lives. Plus, we are dealing with the uncertainties of our economy because Americans are no longer voting on issues, but voting for a Party. We are bombarded daily with gloom and doom news; therefore, many people have succumbed to the negativity. They have lost their joy; their peace; their faith and hope.

Well, today I have no gloom and doom news to report. I have the greatest news ever! God is still on the throne! He is all-knowing; all-seeing; and all-present. Psalms 121:4-6 assures us that “indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor moon by night.” We don’t have to lose our hope because God can give us unspeakable joy that will carry us through any obstacle we may be facing. Nehemiah understood this perfectly because he had to build the wall with a hammer in one hand and a sword in the other. He had major problems coming at him but he maintained his faith because he realized God is bigger than any problem we may face which enabled him to pen the phrase “The Joy of the Lord is My Strength.” So I encourage you don’t let the goings on of this world rob you of your joy.

Blessings,

Rev. Ruth J. Smith