By Cara Wilson, a junior theater and film production major from Indianapolis
Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (NRSV)
Psalm 118:1-2 starts by saying “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. Let Israel say: His love endures forever.” This upcoming Sunday is Easter, the day that Jesus rose from the dead. This Easter, however, is different from one we’ve ever experienced before. COVID-19 has taken over the world and has kept us away from family, friends, activites, etc. This seems like a time to be sad or angry, but I think it is the perfect time to be thankful.
Throughout all of the horrible things that are going on, God is going through it with us every step of the way. God walks with us because God loves us and wants to be present with us. I am very fortunate because I am healthy and I am able to have my family with me. This is not the case for everyone, but know the Lord is with them. Times are hard, but Psalm 118:14 says “The LORD is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.” God has done so many things that to some are unbelievable. He can move mountains, turn a few fish into a feast and make the blind see.
I have no doubt in my mind that the LORD will help us get through this too. There is nothing that can stop Him. “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things.” God’s love is so powerful that no matter what happens, we are safe in his presence. So this Easter try not to focus on the bad that’s going on, but think about what you’re thankful for and how God has blessed you during these hard times.
Scripture: Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (NRSV)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!
2Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
14The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation.
15There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly;
16the right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”
17I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.
18The Lord has punished me severely, but he did not give me over to death.
19Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the Lord.
20This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it.
21I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation.
22The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.
23This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
24This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.