What strange days we are living through now. We have new phrase, social distancing and sheltering in place. All through the Bible, Old and New Testaments, the Lord uses natural events wars, plagues, disease, famines, economic crashes, persecution and displacement (the biblical word is diaspora). He does not always send them, but He uses them to accomplish His purposes, and to remind us that He is in charge.
Like us, we are seeing the Lord using even this current pandemic. It is restoring care for our neighbor. It is humbling us, and entire nations as economies sink into recessions. It is causing people to be less self-centered, and think about those around us instead of being self-absorbed. It is humbling us - turning us to call upon the Lord and trusting in Him, rather than living as if we are self-sufficient.
In this time of crises, our trust in God will strengthen our hope for the future knowing that God is in control. One of the things we believers can look forward to is who God is to us, and who we are in Him. It is very important to remember this, and call upon God for help. The word of God tells us that "God will never leave us or forsake us".
The most important thing for us as believers is hearing the voice of God. Hearing the voice of God will build our confidence and hope as we pray for our country and other nations as well. And in all this remembering to give thanks to Him who made all things, even when we don't see Him working right now as the world cries for help.
This is bringing us back to living out the gospel - how we love and treat others, and share the good news of life in Christ. It is bringing us back to the basics in life love God and love others.
Sheltering in place brings changes and challenges. Many of us are now literally in the same pace with spouses and family members. Cabin fever..... Limitations on exercise and socializing .....more time spent in front of screens and electronic devices..... and little or no structure to our day unless we put it there ourselves. We also need to put rhythms and structure into our day to day life now, including prayer, sabbath, hobby interests, work and intentionally stepping away from work. Sheltering in place is .....an adjustments.
Response:
- Where do I find my strengthen in this time of crises?
- Dose thinking about coronavirus makes me afraid?
- What do I spend my time on beside work?
- How can I overcome my fears?
- Is God saying anything to me that I am not listening?
