2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NIV)
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
These words are a timeless and heartfelt prayer that begins with recognizing the source of our consolation, strength, prosperity, and salvation. We pray to God and Jesus, who reconciled us back to the Father.
This isn’t a selfish prayer. The apostle Paul is not only praying to his Father, but he knows God is the Father of all.
There’s no profit in praying to idols or things with ears but can’t hear, and hands but can’t heal or rescue the perishing.
This prayer is to the only living God, God the Father, and his Son—they are one. And can we ever praise and thank God enough for what he has done?
The past tense of the word love tells of God’s proven love, which is why we are encouraged in his love today, tomorrow, and forever. God never changes, which means his love never changes.
This love is the beginning and never-ending grace for all his doings and acts toward us. The sun, moon, and stars shine because of his love. The grass, fruits, and vegetables grow because of his love for us.
We live because of his love.
His love is our good hope in life for wants and needs and for life eternal. God is the source of all the good we have and hope to receive.
His eternal presence and care help us through earthly troubles and tribulations. A good hope in Christ for ourselves and others to be well and do well is a loving prayer.
We are encouraged to obey God’s Word in acts, conversations, and witnessing. The prayer takes note of good deeds and words, for through them God will strengthen and build up the doer of those works.
Because of this love, there is a quickening of joy even during times of trouble. For God is with us during times of hardships.
During this pandemic and period of racial and political unrest, pray God will strengthen our resolve and hand to help those who are in need and suffering.
Remember to pray for suffering humanity. There is hope in the love of God and his Son, Jesus.
Thanks again to the essential personnel: nurses, doctors, volunteers, food producers, distributors, and others during this devastating pandemic..
There is no question about God’s love, even during hardships and tribulations. We have his Holy Spirit to sustain, lead, and comfort us.
Stay Safe.