Encourage the Weary

• Posted on March 24, 2020 at 8:41 pm

The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.  ~Isaiah 50:4a

Wouldn’t you like to have the right words to say to everyone who is downtrodden? I expect that the number of those who need a word of encouragement is massive right now. Thankfully, for those who know the Lord, we can remind each other that He will not abandon us. He is going to take care of us no matter how long this quarantine lasts. Without the Lord, I don’t know how I would get through these times.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.  ~Proverbs 25:11

I was watching a live video feed this evening, and a gentleman mentioned that he hopes people are learning things right now such as the importance of washing hands, being clean, not going out when you’re sick, etc. I also hope that people learn the importance of being pleasant, smiling, not neglecting to share a kind word when the opportunity arises. When people are struggling to see even a glimmer of hope, I hope they find a Christian who is willing to listen and to pray with them. We want to receive these things; we need to be willing to give them.

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.  ~Psalm 141:3

I once knew an older man who declared, “When you get to be my age, you can say anything.” That may be true but I would counter and say that, no matter how old or young you are, courtesy and kindness are still important. I like the old adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” This is something I am praying about for myself this year, and I encourage you to as well.

I doubt there is a person on earth who doesn’t need to walk more closely with the Spirit. Those who are forced to slow down from the typical busyness of life should use this time to seek His face and “learn of [Him]” (Matthew 11:29). Let’s not take a day or a moment for granted. We are here for such a time as this, and this time may be all about growing in light and encouragement to those around us. Take some time to encourage someone today.

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Don’t Be Afraid

• Posted on March 19, 2020 at 8:50 pm

Don’t be afraid. Easy to say but not always easy to adhere to. How can one not be afraid when one’s livelihood is at stake? When we’re told not to leave our houses except in an emergency, and we don’t know how long this is going to last? I understand how hard it is to live with uncertainty, but I have some ideas that I think will help.

1. Turn off the TV. There is a reason that I don’t watch the news. People give me a hard time sometimes, but when I obsess over what is happening in the world or even in my county, it can cause me to be afraid to leave my house. I don’t need negativity controlling my life, and you don’t either. The fact is that it is hard to discern what is true and what isn’t. Is this a 2-week quarantine, or will we be here a year from now? Only God really knows, and hearing others’ predictions can be quite depressing. So turn off the TV, get on your knees, and ask God to give you His peace that passes all understanding. He can alert you to anything you need to know. Everything else is a waste of your time anyway.

2. Sing. Jake Hess sang, “How many times have you seen someone fighting while they were singing a song?” I would ask the same question about worry. Although I suppose it is possible, I don’t think anxiety can last long if you are praising your Savior and acknowledging the One who holds the keys to life and death, health and sickness, prosperity and poverty. Singing can’t hurt anyway, so you may as well try it.

3. Pray. “Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Tell the Lord how you feel. Ask Him to remove your fear and help you to focus on Him. Tell Him that you are trusting Him to get you through this time. And then praise Him for His love. He is so worthy!

4. Study the Word. You know how you never seem to have time for God’s Word because of all the activities you are a part of? Now is a good time to do some much-needed catch up. Don’t just read the Bible; study it. Get to know the Father. As you become more acquainted with Him, you will begin to understand how much He loves you which should give you the grace you need to trust Him more.

5. Don’t Isolate. I know the government is greatly limiting gatherings in many states but, in today’s society, there is no reason that you cannot connect with others. I am not a phone person so most of my interaction comes through Facebook, email, and texts, but I make sure to connect with people on an almost daily basis. Maybe it’s to see how they are doing. Sometimes I’m discouraged and needing prayer. This is what the Body of Christ is for–to be there for each other. If you are a phone person, call someone. Or Skype. The options are endless. Just please stay connected.

My future is uncertain too, but I am clinging to God’s promise that He will provide my needs. If He cares for the sparrow, just think about how much more He cares for us. This doesn’t mean that we will not go through hard things, but we can say with Fanny Crosby, “For I know whate’er befalls me, Jesus doeth all things well” (emphasis mine).

In closing, I will quote the chorus of another song I’m singing a lot lately.

Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand

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My Thoughts on the Coronavirus

• Posted on March 13, 2020 at 12:41 pm

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. ~John 14:27

By now, I think everyone has heard of the Coronavirus. As I listen to conversations and read what people are saying, there seems to be two modes. Some are fearful and afraid to leave their homes while others think there is nothing to it. Young people especially think it’s a lot of hype as they are more disappointed about their group activities getting cancelled than they are about the fact that people are dying because of this outbreak. I feel like the answer lies in between the two.

We cannot say that this is no big deal because, to those who are being affected by it, it is. Sure, people die of the flu all the time and never make the news, but I think the concern with this virus is how long one can be infected and how easily it can be contracted.  Therefore, I would be slow to minimalize it. That said, fear is not the answer either. We cannot stop living just because we might get a virus. My advice is to use wisdom and be led by the Spirit. For myself, I plan to avoid public transportation for the time being, but I will still run errands, go on outings with my sisters, etc. If my brother or sister-in-law are scheduled to speak at a conference and we are still healthy, we will be there.

I pray that those who know the Lord will be a beacon of hope during this time. I can’t imagine the fear that must be going on inside of those who do not know where they will spend eternity. Or maybe they do know, and that’s why they are so scared. Your smile may be what will cause them to ask why you are so happy and give you a chance to share about the love of Jesus.

I don’t know what God is doing right now, but I do know that, amidst the uncertainty of the upcoming days, weeks, months, and years, God is still on the throne. He is watching.  It’s time for the Church to draw near to Him like never before, to turn from their wicked ways, and to seek His face (2 Chronicles 7:14). Even when things are going well, we should live each day as if it were our last, but what better time to start than during a time when we are faced with the reality that it really might be.

I am praying for those who are affected by this virus in some way. I pray for God’s covering on His people all over the world. I pray that those who don’t know the Savior will find Him and turn to Him before it’s too late. And I pray that God will pour out His peace on those who are struggling to find that serene place. May we all be faithful to keep trusting and serving Him. God bless you all!

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