Day Ten: Praise in the midst of a storm
I attended an empty church yesterday. It was empty because of the current Covid-19 outbreak. Although I mourned for the loss, I was glad to see that the pastoral staff were making a good effort to record the service. It is not easy for any of us now. We hear continuously the "gloom and doom" the media is spreading every second. I have wondered in the midst of this huge storm when everything is shut down, how I can praise God.
I admittedly broke down and wailed when I heard the news about all the non-essential businesses closing. I thought of all the disenfranchised, now being forced to wait to be tethered to the government. I thought about the loss of being able to do anything at all, even cashing and depositing a check has become super hard over the past day or so. It feels like we're being ostracized for being a "Luddite." No, you are no longer able to purchase hot food. No, you are no longer able to provide for your own needs. The government will do it for you. It's becoming more and more clear that the powers to be are soon going to be forcing everyone to take their "mark." This scenario frightens me.
I ask how can I praise God in the midst of a storm. Then I read in Isaiah 43:2 (KJV) "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned: neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." It is knowing that God is with me through this storm that prompts me to praise him. Yes, I admit that I am really struggling with this new "normal" right now. I know that this enforced quarantine has everyone on edge. Read this verse again and let it sink in. The verse clearly states that God will get you through this.
I do need to as James 1:2 (KJV) clearly states "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." When I first read this verse, it did strike me as kind of odd. Why would I rejoice in various trials? What does this verse say to our current situation? You have to read on in James 1 to find the answer. Trials can either break us or strengthen us. If we continue to rely on our own strength we eventually will fall. When we do fall, however, the Lord is with us. Trials come to teach us to rely on him alone for all our needs.
I don't know how we'll get through this storm, but we do well if we praise God instead of wallowing in despair and defeat. Satan may have won, but the battle is the Lord's.
I admittedly broke down and wailed when I heard the news about all the non-essential businesses closing. I thought of all the disenfranchised, now being forced to wait to be tethered to the government. I thought about the loss of being able to do anything at all, even cashing and depositing a check has become super hard over the past day or so. It feels like we're being ostracized for being a "Luddite." No, you are no longer able to purchase hot food. No, you are no longer able to provide for your own needs. The government will do it for you. It's becoming more and more clear that the powers to be are soon going to be forcing everyone to take their "mark." This scenario frightens me.
I ask how can I praise God in the midst of a storm. Then I read in Isaiah 43:2 (KJV) "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned: neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." It is knowing that God is with me through this storm that prompts me to praise him. Yes, I admit that I am really struggling with this new "normal" right now. I know that this enforced quarantine has everyone on edge. Read this verse again and let it sink in. The verse clearly states that God will get you through this.
I do need to as James 1:2 (KJV) clearly states "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." When I first read this verse, it did strike me as kind of odd. Why would I rejoice in various trials? What does this verse say to our current situation? You have to read on in James 1 to find the answer. Trials can either break us or strengthen us. If we continue to rely on our own strength we eventually will fall. When we do fall, however, the Lord is with us. Trials come to teach us to rely on him alone for all our needs.
I don't know how we'll get through this storm, but we do well if we praise God instead of wallowing in despair and defeat. Satan may have won, but the battle is the Lord's.
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