Shelter In Place And Shelter In Him
Are you afraid of COVID-19?
It’s okay to admit it.
We’re human.
The isolation from our loved ones and friends is very difficult.
Every day we face rapidly changing news about the shocking spread of this cruel virus.
It’s understandable for anyone to be apprehensive at times.
The shelter-in-place mandate now covers the entire month of April.
People are still hoarding baby wipes, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
The fear of the unknown looms above us like a black swirling tornado.
Why does it take so long to get a vaccine, and what is going to be in the ingredient list?
Why are some politicians and celebrities, and even a national news magazine laying blame at a time like this?
“That sure is helping!” said no one ever.
The seemingly nonstop news coverage, the lecturing, the virtual signaling, the branding of “the new normal” – all of it is frustrating.
I say turn it off and take a break from it during the day.
It’s okay to be tempted to fear, but please don’t stay in that gloomy mindset.
Complete Trust
Do you remember that encouraging Bible verse that goes like this,
“Trust in everything but the Lord with all your heart, and lean not . . .”
Whoaa stop! That’s fake and absolutely not how it goes.
Here’s the real verse, affirming God’s mercy and grace towards a sinful world.
Shelter in Place and Shelter in Him
God is absolutely ahead of Covid-19
He is still on His throne
He hears our prayers
If you find yourself on that dusty road to Emmaus today, and the circumstances in your life have left you confused and depressed, I have a word of counsel for you. Never assume God’s silence or apparent inactivity is evidence of His disinterest. Let me say it again. Feelings about His inaccessibility mean nothing! Absolutely nothing! His Word is infinitely more reliable than our spooky emotions. Rev. Reubin[sic] Welch, minister and author, once said, “With God, even when nothing is happening—something is happening.” It is true. The Lord is at work in His own unique way even when our prayers seem to echo back from an empty universe. – Dr. James Dobson.2
Remember the sparrow?
6 Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. – Luke 12:6-7, (NASB).3
There’s a beautiful and beloved hymn written back in the 1800’s that I think applies perfectly here. The Christian vocal group, Selah, did an outstanding version of it.
I hope it blesses you as well during these uncertain times.
# # #
1 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
2 Dr. James Dobson quotation, courtesy of Dr. Dobson’s blog. “God Makes Sense Even When He Doesn’t Make Sense.” n.d., para. 15. Web. Accessed 25 March, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.drjamesdobson.org/blogs/dr-dobson-blog/dr-dobson-blog/2018/03/09/god-makes-sense-even-when-he-doesn’t-make-sense-part-1?sc=ALP
It may be a verse that gives you strength or comfort during a difficult time in your life. Or, it may be a verse that reflects your gratitude towards God for His many blessings.
First, the book. If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend Pastor Chip Ingram’s, “The Invisible War.” It’s a book about the spiritual attacks we face as Christians and it helps guide us how to put on the armor of God. We know we’re supposed to wear the armor, but do we really know how to use it?
The Lord heard Elisha’s prayers and the servant was at once able to see, really see, the invisible army of angels who were there by their side the whole time.
