“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5 NLT
Seriously! 2020 is going to go down in history as the year that the whole world was paralyzed by a virus and worldwide unrest. The year thus far has shown us the worst and thankfully the best of humankind. Amidst the best is some great music. Music that no doubt has been long planned, with words that reach to our very souls have been released at just the perfect moment. This has not been an accident, but in my opinion divine appointments.
One of my favorite singers is Australian singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem. Delta has released two such perfectly timed songs in the past couple of weeks and this is not the first time one of her songs has inspired Something Special For You. The two songs from an upcoming album have words that speak into the times we are living in. It is the very newest of these a song titled Paralyzed that serves as the inspiration of this particular installment of Something Special For You.
The whole song is great but these words in particular grabbed ahold of my heart:
“With a little time
With a little hope
With a little light you’ll never know
For a little space
For a lot of love
Close your eyes and think of
Better time, big dreams
Open your mind for you
To find a little strength inside
Stop and rewind”
In the passage above Paul in his letter to the Christians in Rome is telling them in essence that in those times of trial when life seems paralyzed, that they and so we should rejoice because that time where we feel like we can’t move can build endurance in us, which leads to a bit more strength and gives us hope – a hope that will not disappoint us because of how much God loves us.
Scripture actually says a lot about hope, strength and love. Here are just few good ones to hang onto. King David reminds us: “GOD make his people strong. God gives his people peace” (Psalm 29:11 MSG). Isaiah writes: “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40_31 NIV). Paul later in his letter to the Romans reminds them and us to: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying” (Romans 12:12 NLT).
What besides this viral pandemic has you paralyzed? Some other sort of health issue? Finances? Unemployment? A problem with a relationship? No matter what it is, remember – “a little time, a little hope, a little light, a little space and a lot of love will help you think of better times and bigger dreams and to find strength. No matter what has you paralyzed it’s ok to stop and rewind.”
A Prayer
Father – thank you for the words of your servant Paul. May his prayer for the people of Ephesus be our prayer. “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower those who read this with inner strength through his Spirit. Thank you Lord for walking with us in this time where our world feels paralyzed. In the name of Jesus, who is always with us. Amen.
Oh and be sure to check Delta Goodrem’s Paralyzed here: https://youtu.be/J_LeOqIXMUg
