A familiar scene at our local nursing home: a family standing outside a window, talking to a loved one on the other side of the pane. Separated. This morning as I walked my usual route that includes a loop around the facility, I caught a glimpse of an aide entering a room, her face covered with a mask. My father lived there for two months before the pandemic, and I can well remember how one smile and cheerful spirit could brighten the day. These masks everywhere now—although necessary, they cut us off from even the warmth of a smile. 

We know that there will be hard times of tears in our journey. With equal certainty, we know we are never cut off, separated, distanced from our God who loves us. Our hope depends on Him who “keepeth covenant”* even in the hardest times of grief, stress, pain, and storms that threaten to swamp our boat.  

Sometimes we are not able to look beyond today’s pain to even imagine a better day. We might not think we can hold on for even “a little while.” Pain numbs us. Darkness can be so heavy that it’s difficult to see even a tiny speck of light. The roar of conflict and battle might shut out voices of encouragement and hope.

But none of that deters Him. His promises hold true, no matter the circumstance.

* Deuteronomy 7:9 KVJ

Thoughts from  Facing the Future, Copyright © 2020 JPV Press, to be released April 28, 2020. Used with permission