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Hazard! Warning! Attention! These words demand a response. So, too, does the present moment demand a response. Some have begun by giving in to fear—engaging in panic buying (or selling) and similar activity. But this is not the way of Jesus.
This time is a gift. By way of governmental authority, we have been given a “time-out.” However, many of our service workers, especially health care professionals, are working overtime in an environment of exposure. These are our “soldiers” in this fight on the front lines, risking themselves to protect many. They and their families need our support, including prayer.
For the rest of us, we’ve been enlisted to participate by not participating. We’ve been asked to stay home. Restaurants are closed for dining, movie theaters and sports arenas are shuttered, and travel has been inhibited. Some of us are more vulnerable and have isolated from nearly all physical social contact to avoid infection. For most, this leads to more time at home. What to do?
You may have read an article or watched a video describing options to pass the time away. “Stay busy,” they say. Tackle your to-do list, binge watch a whole season, try out a new recipe, give in to anxiety. Okay, so I added last one. Instead, I’d like to offer you a couple of different options:
- Look out!
- Do nothing.
Look out for the needs of others. Pray for our nation and our leaders in each area and level of government. They need God’s help. They need His salvation. Also, find others to connect with digitally or virtually, by web or by phone. Use this time even as an excuse to call someone that you haven’t before. Be proactive in asking what needs others have, and seek to be generous. Look for opportunity outside our church body as well. Share what you find with others and remember that your words and actions contain power. Watch diligently for opportunity and share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.
Do nothing. Snatch time from the thief that says, “Stay busy.” Don’t give in to the temptation of passing your time away or filling it with second-best things. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The translation I linked says, “cease striving.” Stop. Turn as an individual, or as a family, to our Everlasting Father. Sit in silence, pray, read Scripture, sing, walk, and talk. Ask Him what work He is doing within you as you experience this situation. Cast all your fear upon Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Shower Him with praise and adoration, as He rightly deserves. Laugh with Him. Cry with Him. Talk with Him. Wonder with Him. Enjoy Him, right now and forever!
Don’t miss this historic opportunity—this time when God can be seen and experienced with greater clarity because many things such as money and security and routine have been stripped away. A vacuum is created, and I don’t wish for you to fill it just for it to be filled. Don’t long or settle for “blessings” from the Master’s table and neglect the Master himself. This is a time to enter into joy and thanksgiving because of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ! He is the same yesterday, and today, and forevermore. Hallelujah!
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Great admonitions!