It would be so easy to allow discouragement to take over right now. Most of us have been directly affected by Covid19 in some way. Weddings have been altered or postponed, graduations have been quiet, trips have been cancelled, babies are born without family visiting, and memorials of those we know and love who have passed on are held remotely.
Many individuals have learned to set up conference calls from home so they can continue to work, many others have been sent home without any return date for work. Still, those who are continuing to be needed in order to run our society, go into work in trepidation, wondering if they will be exposed to this virus and become the next casualty, or bring it home to their families.
Children are home all day every day. Their team sports and activities have been cancelled; their uniforms are left unworn, high-fives left undone. There is disappointment in considering the things we may be missing. The lack of social connection may be more difficult for some than others, yet there is no denying our lives have changed. We are used to celebrating and gathering. No one is immune to boredom, uncertainty, and depression. Hearts are in danger of becoming heavy with anxiety and concern.
If you have been to a store to pick up necessities, people keep their distance as directed by authorities. Empty shelves and long lines have become expected. The fight is real to remain focused on all that is good. I was surprised at my own response when my phone alerted me with several text messages, one right after the other. Instead of checking it right away, I waited and wondered if it would be news of someone I know having become ill. I now have a much better understanding of the word pandemic. If you look up the definition, you will read it is a disease spread over a wide geographical area, which affects a large portion of the population. From my observation alone, it appears the word panic should be included in the definition.
We may not have a cure for Covid19 at this time, but experts are diligently working to find one. It may seem that just about everything is completely out of control and this is perhaps a fair assessment. However, there is hope for boredom, uncertainty and depression. We are able to find peace in the midst of crisis.
What is the cure for boredom and weariness, uncertainty and depression? Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, the Lord and Savior of the world, holds the cure for mankind. There is no greater answer. However difficult this period of time might be, this is a reminder to those who know God that He is in complete control – even of those things that do not make sense to us or seem exceptionally difficult.
Isaiah 40:28-31 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to [him who] lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up [with] wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
Worldwide economic depression and mass unemployment, business closures, and even lives lost are not without God’s knowledge and understanding. There are opportunities in all of this to share the hope you have with those who need encouragement. If you have breath for today, you have reason to praise God.
Look inside your own heart and ask yourself, what or whom are you living for? What is your purpose in life? What do you look forward to? The answers to these questions, when based on Truth, are the same as they have always been. We live for God, our purpose is to glorify His name and we look forward to an eternity in heaven with Him. Nothing that has true value has changed at all! There is hope for the future. I pray you are encouraged.
Focus Heavenward, Sharyn.
@focusheavenward
thensingsmysoultothee.com
“Until Death Do We Meet”
