There are many who are struggling to breathe; in more ways than one! The new virus attacks the lungs, and those with it are struggling and on ventilators.
There are also lots of us who are so used to moving at breakneck speeds with family, school, sports etc. that we haven’t learned to be still and just breathe. There is a song by Jonny Diaz that reminds us that God calls us to be still and hear God.
Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at my feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need
Is to take it in, fill your lungs
The peace of God that overcomes
Just breathe (just breathe)
Let your weary spirit rest
Lay down what's good and find what's best
(listen to this song here)
Being still helps us declutter our minds and focus on what our values and priorites are. This is a time where we are all learning who and what is “essential” in our lives. We know for certain that grocery stores and truckers, and the post office, are all must haves!
If you are not a nurse or a postal worker, or a trucker you may have some extended time with your family. Those of us with kids suddenly out of school are scrambling to fill their time with homeschooling tecniques and strategies. But in reality, there is nothing they need more right now than for us to just be with them, to stop everything and really listen to them, to make sure they know that they are loved and that we value them and enjoy them. If they learn nothing else, I hope my kids learn that they are safe in the love our family, and in the care of their savior. This is time for us to be with our spouses too, and to be with our Lord, who is the only one who can give us peace in times like this.
God might just be using this to get our attention, to quiet us so that we can hear Him better. I wonder, what will He whisper to you in a time of quiet? There are many more things that God will do through this, I just know He is working for our good, but we might miss it if we aren’t listening.
I know that God is using this terrible event for good. For one thing, He is giving us, and our land, a time of Sabbath rest. I have even heard that air pollution is clearing up over cities because there are less cars on the road, and animals are starting to come back into urban areas because there are less people out. It is fascinating to see how even the earth and animals are impacted by our new sense of quiet.
God is also calling our attention to those most vulnerable around us. We are aligning with His priorities like James 1:27 says’ “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” I think its neat to see how we have collectively begun to realize that we all have a part in protecting each other and encouraging each other. My heart goes out to those who are elderly, who are single, who are now more lonely and isolated than ever! We are starting to get creative with ways to reach them and let them know we care for them, without getting too close!
. So, I encourage you to take a break from your phone, facebook, video games (things that are meant to distract and entertain) and cuddle and cry and read with just be with your family, and your God. Take some deep breaths and let the God of all comfort speak peace into your soul!
What is God teaching you right now? What are hearing from Him in the quiet times?
Comment below, I’d love to hear about it!
-Deborah King