At the time of sending out this devotional, South Africa is deep into a national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the halt in economic activity, many people are financially in dire straits and even going hungry. A phrase we hear often is: ‘during this time.’

Well, during this time we can take heart in knowing the character of God and holding on to the promises He has given us in the Bible. Psalm 146 is just such a treasure trove of encouragement. Let’s read through a section of it:

Psalm 146:5-9 (NIV)
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
⁶ He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
⁷ He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
⁸     the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous.
⁹ The Lord watches over the foreigner
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

Did you notice the list of all the people God is looking out for? I’m sure you’ll find yourself somewhere in there. It says He is there for the oppressed, hungry, imprisoned, blind, burdened, foreign, widowed and orphaned. And what does He do for all these types of people (including you)? He upholds, sustains, watches over, sets free, gives food, lifts up and gives sight.

Think about what that means for your particular situation and make a conscious decision to put your hope in HIm, because the Scripture says: Blessed are you who put your hope in Him! The Lord remains faithful forever.

We are also praying for you.