By Hope 103.2Monday 12 Jul 2021Inspirational StoriesReading Time: 5 minutes
A lot of bad news has been delivered to Sydneysiders of late, with the worsening COVID-19 Delta variant outbreak spreading across the city. So, on Friday, we asked the Hopeland Facebook community: “What encouragement can you give other Hopelanders who may be struggling with Sydney lockdown or any loneliness wherever they live?”
And, with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian declaring at Saturday’s press conference that “things are going to get worse before they get better”, there are many of us – in Sydney lockdown and others who are experiencing grief, sickness and isolation for different reasons – who need to hear the following encouragement.
Responses from Hope 103.2 Facebook community
This was from my morning devotion. The people of Judah were losing hope, yet the Lord promised to shelter and sustain all that come before him. Today that would be by prayer not as a congregation but still comforting nonetheless. – Craig
You are NOT alone – God is always with you and would never leave you. – Jasmine
God has you in his hands. Why not phone someone every day and brighten them too. – Rosemary
I read the following advise as a treatment for depression: cultivate little daily sources of joy. For example, savour a lovely smell/taste, watch your favourite show. And find little ways to treat yourself. – Elizabeth
This gives you time to spend with God. Listening to music, spending time in the Bible, listening to Christian podcasts. – Mel
Reach out, talk to people online, phone, shout from your windows if have to. But always reach out. You are not alone there’s plenty of people who care and will listen. Always here for a cuppa and online or phone chat if anyone needs. We got this hopeland 😊 – Diane
“I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you” Jesus. – Emm
This too shall pass 💞🙏 – Lucy
Be still and know that I am God. – David
James 1 – there is a purpose in all this. God is using this (and all trials) to make you more like Jesus. So hang in there and ask for help (from God) to know his joy in the midst of it all. – Christine
Trust the Lord’s promises in Ps 91; He is watching over us. – John
Pray, lots of phone calls, zoom and face time, watch uplifting movies, listen to inspiring podcasts. – Sonia
Our God, Maker of the universe who made each one of us in His image, and who bore our sins and sorrows on Himself will be with us in this storm as well. – Mary
Psalm 46:1-3, 10: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling…‘Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’” – Joy
We would love to pray for you and your loved ones
Prayer is one of the ways we, at Hope 103.2, can support and journey with you in all seasons of life. To be with you in the times of trial and crisis and praise God with you in the moments of joy and celebration. If you have a prayer request you would like our team to uphold in prayer please don’t hesitate to let us know right here.
“When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer” and “In darkness God’s truth shines most clear.” Corrie ten Boom. A great lady with many great quotes & a depth of knowledge & love for the Lord. – Arietta
This too shall pass. – Clare
Pray big prayers. God is a big God who hears them. – Elizabeth
Lisa recommended an article on the Mental Health Institute website called Staying Mentally Well While Staying Home.
Keep holding Gods hand and praying. He is always with us. – Vicki
Lock down in an Australian City while hard for us is something we should be thankful for. Remember to call and check on elderly or single friends who you can’t see in person.
Time to play “For King and Country” TOGETHER!!!!! – Phil
God is still on the throne. – Irene
Psalm 34:18 MSG: If your heart is broken, you’ll find GOD right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. – Dave
Remember, you are not stuck at home, you are safe at home. – Anne
Get on the Hope with Heidi podcasts. She also has an amazing Newsletter. – Nic
Psalm 91 – Phoebe-Ann
I set a project for every day that is on my to do list. Normally I don’t have time for the long list. I also keep to as normal a routine as possible. Smile at yourself, sing, send encouraging messages to friends, talk to at least one friend on the phone each day. – Lesley
Keep your radio 📻 on and listen👂 to Hope 103.2. There is a message there everyday that we can all be inspired, lifted, encouraged and grateful 🙏🏻for ❣️ – Lea (Thanks Lea, from the Hope 103.2 team!)
I live in Victoria?? It’s ok, you’ll make it to the otherside! – Tracey
– Sue
Behind every cloud lies the sun and soon we will be all together enjoying the light. – Kelly
Call Lifeline – Ella (Our Counselling and Helplines if anyone needs them.)
We are so thankful for all the essential workers! 🙂 Thank you for doing what you do to keep us safe! Really thankful for the following scripture! “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 NIV – Belinda
Message a bunch of friends to check in on them, do some baking and leave some on your neighbours doorstep if you can, now a good time to binge a series on Netflix or Disney, try to read a book or finish one you’ve started. – Dharshana
– Steve