April 17, 2020
Mission of the Heart with Roger A. Stevens
These are unusual times, to say the least. You all have been exemplary in your service to residents in support of our Mission during this pandemic. I have heard from several residents who sing your praises. For many of us, these can also be scary times. I know some of us have already lost family members to COVID-19. In times like these, I am reminded of the saying, “It’s good to be good, and we are good, but it’s best to be blessed.” No matter how careful we are, no matter how hard we work, there is risk. We need God’s mercy and protection.
I hope you gain some comfort and reassurance from Psalm 34, written by David when he was in circumstances that were overwhelming him. It speaks to today, too.
“I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name forever.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto Him and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him from all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps round about them who fear Him, and delivers them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the person who trusts in Him. O fear the LORD, you His saints, for there is no want to them who fear Him. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; but they who seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
Come children, hearken to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against them who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to those who are of a broken heart; and saves those who have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers them out of them all. He keeps all his bones, not one of them is broken.
Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be desolate. The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be desolate.”
Take care!
