Life is being altered in ways that are inducing fear and insecurity, sometimes purposely and strategically, other times out of ignorance and blissful blindness. If you know like I do that God did not give us a spirit of fear, there should be no doubt where it does comes from. As of this posting, I am not writing about the figurative nor speaking in general. This is not my regularly scheduled blogram. We are at the dawn of a new normal, and I don't know one person who hasn't been affected.
Physically, the world is fighting against an invisible and previously unknown enemy of zoonotic origin, a disease known as COVID-19 that is indiscriminately spread by a new betacoronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and within a few months it has reached pandemic proportions. The CDC and the world alike seem to be learning about this viral predator as we go, so in the meantime I am using the wisdom and common sense that God gave me.
The world has seen and survived pandemics before, but none which changed our way of life so thoroughly and drastically, in such a short amount of time as this one. It is to this phenomenon that I believe many of us will need to fervently apply prayer, wisdom and action in order to acclimate successfully. While we are defending and protecting our health and livelihood, it is also important to remember Ephesians 6:12-13 if we are to fit ourselves in a complete armor.
Just weeks ago we could have never imagined the reality of life as it is now, outside of an apocalyptic movie plot. The year 2020 has truly shown up, and it has proven to be a show-stopper, literally. Companies like the one I am employed for, which have traditionally been staunchly against full-time remote work have sent us home indefinitely, to work remotely. Other companies have sent non-remote workers home with pay, and some without. Thousands of workers nationwide have simply been laid-off. The indefinite closing of church doors, businesses, restaurants, and the cancelling of college graduations, sports seasons, concerts, conferences, and even funerals has made us recognize the unprecedented and serious nature of what we're up against.
Times like now, when I am spending so much time working alone at home, social distancing, working out alone, watching church online alone, and trying to spend my down time reading the Word and entertaining myself (again, alone), I can understand with clarity why the Word places so much weight on loving yourself and your neighbor in Mark 12:31. It says there is no commandment greater than these, and yet our new stations have caused many of us to realize how we have neglected to be obedient in this way. If we couldn't before, we are forced now to be still, to spend quality time alone with ourselves, our closest family, friends, loved ones and neighbors. Yet, it is without the usual vices and venues we so commonly use to distract and amuse ourselves.
Our privilege and frivolity is being challenged, and many of us are forced to count our blessings - even if only on one hand. The Word reminds me in James 1:2-4 that I have a choice, to consider trials of many sorts a pure joy, so that ultimately I won't lack anything. This is not happiness being described, but heavenly joy, as a result of the peace offered as only He can give it.
The holidays, Christmas, New Year's resolutions and my birthday celebrations are still so recent that I can smile upon their memories as if they were just yesterday. Spring arrived only days ago and this is just the beginning. New beginnings can be revolutionary, blessings in disguise, but when they are unanticipated they can also be upending and disorienting, even destructive. In its aftermath we will need to replenish, rebuild and reinforce. Such is life and this too shall pass, but we will always need an anchor to avoid being driven by the winds and tossed by the sea, and for me it will be Him. He is, has always been and He will always be.
Biblical inspiration: James 1:6-7 and Psalm 46:10
