Gloom Lifting.

The fears and losses of the pandemic are still with me, but some days I feel the gloom lifting. The little pleasures in life are coming back. I look for a beautiful sunrise or sunset. I go outside to inhale the rain-freshened air after a storm. I welcome a call from a friend and laugh with my children.

I’m thinking about safe ways to reach out to my neighbors in need.

We will feel the aftermath of COVID-19 for a while. Life on earth will never be perfect or painless. We won’t suddenly wake up to a life that is the same as it was before the pandemic happened. We may grieve some of our losses for a long time. But we can be encouraged as we acknowledge the small signs of recovery and embrace the healing as it comes. That encouragement will grow as we take time to thank God for his provision, faithfulness, and love for us.

Perhaps this psalm, written to thank God for his provision during a difficult time, reflects your feelings of gratitude and hope for the future.

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.

The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
The LORD protects the unwary;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return to your rest, my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.
For you, LORD, have delivered me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.
Psalm 116:1–2, 5–9

As you seek a new perspective on your recent trials and look for hope as you move forward in life, what can you thank God for, and how will you express your gratitude to him?