It’s been a while. Our last post was January 2019, and it feels like forever.
A strange and uninteresting sequence of events led to our radio silence. The graphic design company we were using went out of business and we haven’t been able to find another. I was in school. And then…
…COVID.
Admittedly, there is some small irony in the fact that I am sitting down to write this post on 9/11, the anniversary of another unforgettable day…in the middle of a pandemic. Like many of you, I’m tired, or to be even more truthful, I’m exhausted.
And I don’t know about you, but I find myself getting angrier, more resentful, more bitter. Angry at our national response to the pandemic…or the lack thereof. Angry at the fact that I’m arguing with Christians about why they should “love their neighbor as themselves” or how about enough to wear a mask? Something that seems pretty obvious from the words of Christ whether or not we understand the science. Angry that almost 200K people are dead, many of whom would otherwise still be alive.
Resentful that once again, long-needed conversations about racial justice and equality are being marginalized. Often by fellow Christians.
Thankful that my kids are grown, so I don’t have to homeschool. But bitter that a ‘Christian’ nation has ignored God’s warning in Ezekiel 16:49 and allowed a winner-take-all society to take root that trods more and more of its own citizens underfoot every day.
Exhausted from a long commute, but grateful that I’m employed.
In other words, I’m feeling a constant see-saw of emotions that makes me feel a lot like Peter in the boat before he asked Jesus in Matthew 14:28, “Command me to come to you.”
COME TO JESUS
That’s really what this post is about. Throughout the gospels, Jesus tells us that He is our haven during unrest, our solace in loss, and our peace in the storm. Even in or rather, especially in, the middle of our trial…Jesus bids us to come to Him.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matt 11:28-30
But let’s be real. In the middle of a pandemic, it’s hard to remember promises like “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you…Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27. And frankly, James’ instruction to consider trials to be “pure joy” which produce perseverance can sound trite. Nor do promises automatically make crazy politics, coronavirus, homeschooling, unemployment, or the struggle for justice any easier to bear, or any easier to sustain our joy.
But the promises of God are “yea and amen”, and I’m relearning that sustaining my joy really isn’t up to me.
A PATH TO PEACE
But although God has promised to be our peace and to sustain us, I’ve found that my actions or inaction can affect the process.
First, am I hearing the Word of God from the Spirit of God?
Attuning your spirit to the Holy Spirit comes through the connected practices of prayer and obedience. And while Paul says that we are to “Pray without ceasing”, prayer without obedience to the leadings the Spirit reveals doesn’t hold nearly as much value. So talk to God, pray for others, ask for guidance, but when God speaks, choose, like Joshua, to obey.
Second, am I meditating on Scripture?
It may seem old-fashioned and ‘Sunday-school-y’, but have you committed Scripture to memory? Giving yourself something to latch onto throughout the day when you find yourself becoming tired, anxious, angry, or worried is the wise thing to do. Start with one verse, perhaps one of the verses in this post and read it two or three times a day. Protect your heart and spirit through meditation.
Third, am I listening to the right things?
In First Samuel, we read how David played the harp for Saul to soothe his spirit. Let’s be honest, we all have our favorite artists, but country and R&B won’t cut it. There is nothing those artists, talented though they may be, can say to feed your soul. But praise and worship can and will. So let me encourage you, particularly during these stressful times to be even more selective about what you hear. And while maybe the harp isn’t your thing, keeping Bethel Music, Elevation Worship, Hillsong, or Red Rocks Worship on repeat will soothe your spirit.
Fourth, are you worshiping with others?
I’m not trying to get into a discussion here about whether or not churches should be meeting in person. But here’s a tool I’m using for daily online silent worship. If you’re unfamiliar with the silent tradition of the Quakers, you can find more information online. While silent worship may seem strange, and online worship, stranger still, God is not restricted by our buildings or the Internet. It’s amazing and refreshing how the peace of God and the unity of corporate worship can be experienced, even online.
Lastly, are you giving?
Look, I understand. It can be difficult to find any part of ourselves to give away, even on our best days. But when the joy of the Lord isn’t exactly overwhelming us? Please.
Even when we understand God’s economy intellectually, persuading our emotional and physical selves to give to someone else when we’re are struggling is hard. But the spiritual uplift that comes from putting our belief in God’s promises into action, choosing rather to encourage someone else rather than retreat into exhausted self-pity can’t be overstated. Know that I’m taking my own advice with PROJECT2031 and putting my hand to the plow…again.
SOME FINAL THOUGHTS
Finally, if you’re reading this post, and you don’t know Christ, Jesus tells us in John 14 that He is “the way, the truth and the life“, and that “no one comes to the Father, except through Him”. While I understand that God’s people are flawed in many ways and may not always be Christ’s best representation, I guarantee there is no substitute for the peace of God. I encourage you to accept Christ and the peace that only He can give.
And if you have lost a loved one or perhaps, your employment or your home during this difficult time…I am sorry, and I pray that God’s peace will find you, and that you will find help in your time of need.
In Christ,
Austine
