Trust and thanks

Sunday, March 28, 2021



"The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him."
Psalm 28:7 (ESV) 


I was reading today’s paper and I saw a photo of a dead body in a hospital bed. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the Headline was “As daily deaths near 4,000, worst may still lie ahead for Brazil.” The photo was described as “the body of a COVID-19 victim lies in a body bag at the ICU of the Sao Jose municipal hospital in Duque de Caxias, Brazil on Wednesday. 


Duque de Caxias is my hometown. My parents, family, and extended family live there. This pandemic has been exhausting. Everyone has reasons to complain. Reading that story was a reminder of how bad things are. Thinking about my faith and my current commitment to God through this challenge caused me to turn my worries into prayer. 


I borrow the words of the psalmist in chapter 28 verse 7. God, you are my strength and my shield. In you my heart trust, and I am helped. No matter how bad things may seem, I am helped. My heart exults and with my song, I give thanks to you. Come and rescue. Come and save. 


I know that this whole thing is easier said than done. But what other option do I have? I honestly, do not want another option. I rather put all my trust in God. 


I do have a lot of reasons to be grateful. I am being mindful to do so. Today, I just want to encourage myself to look beyond the harsh reality of life. Yes, I lost loved ones and friends. It still hurts. I am often thinking about my loved ones in Brasil and here in the U.S. I am also thinking about God and His plan for humanity. I am choosing to believe that He is both worthy of my trust and thanks. 


Prayer: God, things are overwhelming right now. I choose to rely on your strength and protection. My heart trusts in you. I am helped, even when I feel helpless. I give you my trust and thanks. In Jesus’ name, Amen.