Psalm 27

One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
Psalms 27:4-5 NIV

Has the concept of perseverance in days of trouble taken on new meaning for you in these last seven weeks? Some things are much harder, or even tragic. But hopefully you've been able to discover some things that aren't so bad. Maybe you even hope to keep them as a normal part of your life when this is all over (whatever and whenever that will be).
In our "normal" life before all this, perseverance through hard times usually focused on successfully getting through the difficulty. Overcoming the obstacles! Refusing to give in, or give up, until you came out the other end victorious... or at least a survivor. Perseverance most often focused on the exit of adversity rather than remaining under and learning from it.
Perseverance in Scripture focuses on remaining under the adversity, where you "let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:4 NIV) With this Scriptural definition, we need to remember that we do not remain alone. Rather, we "under dwell" through our trials and adversities, setting up house for however long God is content to allow us to be matured under it. But what a blessing! In the midst of hardship and tragedy, you can dwell WITH and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord! He will keep you safe even if this trial costs you everything in this life. You are not alone. You're never alone.

Prayer and Action Steps:

1. Take some time to thank God for his presence with you through the hard, or even tragic, circumstances you may have faced, or may be facing.
2. Take some more time to count your blessings. Ask God to help you see what good, even if very small, is coming out of these unexpected days. It's OK to admit that it may not be all bad.
3. Ask God, for the patience you need to persevere under the trials you are facing. Ask for His perspective on your problems. Ask Him to mature you in the ways He desires you to grow.
4. Ask God what next steps He wants you to take in your relationship and walk with Him.