In times like these....

if you’re like I am, reality is setting in. This is not just a snow day. Our nation is in crisis and our lives have been upended. For quite some time, it would seem.

I am reminding myself of some truths that might be helpful to you as well. As our schedules are not only disrupted, but a new normal is not yet defined, it is tempting to give in to fear or to maybe denial. To ponder the “what if’s” until we are terrified or else to seek escape through mindless entertainment or meaningless activity.

Not helpful. So instead, I am preaching these truths to myself:

  1. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and yes, forever. Hebrews 13:8. Even though my life is not comfortingly predictable right now, Jesus is most assuredly my constant. I can trust that, depend on that, and assure all those I love that nothing has shaken Him from His Throne. HE STILL REIGNS. Over all including COVID-19 and Wall Street.

  2. When I don’t know how to respond to added things on my plate, He assures me in James 1 that I can ask Him for wisdom and He will generously supply it. And He reminds me to look at the verses preceding that promise - this assurance is given in the context of telling me to rejoice in trials and trust that He is working through them to develop the beautiful and beneficial trait of endurance in me.

  3. Which brings me to the next truth to meditate on - no matter what form the chaos presents itself as (sickness, isolation, disruption, financial disaster), I can be assured that it came to me filtered through the loving and sovereign hands of my Heavenly Father. And, as Joseph told his brothers, “you meant it for evil, but God purposed it for good”. Genesis 50:20. Even things that seem disastrous, God engineers them for good in the lives of His children. We can trust that with everything in us.

  4. Word of caution. With unexpected bonus time forced on us, it’s tempting to see it as an opportunity to indulge in hours of screen time or meaningless entertainment. Let’s be careful. Ephesians 5:15,16 exhorts us “Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,making the most of your time because the days are evil.” This is an unprecedented opportunity. Time to invest in your family. Time to immerse yourself in God’s Word. Time to exhibit a heart of confidence in the goodness of God. Let’s not waste it.

And, lastly, when you are tempted to despair, remember, this too shall pass. Amen.