Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point — a great crossroads in our life. ~Oswald Chambers.
The Coronavirus Carousel continues. The misinformation, treachery, deception and madness has become comical and whacky. If the times weren’t so dangerous and compelling, the senselessness we are witnessing might even be funny.
But it’s no laughing matter. Indeed, these are the times that try men’s souls. Confusion is rampant, and the screaming and ranting voices are on every street, TV and social media.
But know this: God is at work. Whether you can see Him or not, he’s working in the heavenlies on your behalf. Hang onto that, because there isn’t much else to hang onto!
Consider this: In these chaotic days, He has removed every anchor — even every idol — you may have been holding onto. Whether it’s major sports or bars or church or work or some other go-to that helped to bolster your identity, that consoling blankie is no longer there. The resulting muddled bewilderment abounds, leaving people with a loss of familiarity and contentment.
Think about it! Where was your identity and what was your comfort zone that has now been removed, or at the very least modified significantly? We’ll come back to that in a moment.
To be sure, there are many “truths” out there today, but in reality — as usual — the real truth is found somewhere in the middle. Regardless, that real truth is certainly far removed from your TV screen or Facebook page. Here is some reality as I see it.
- Don’t be fooled, the effects of coronavirus are real.
- Racism and hatred are undeniable.
- The media have gone off the rails, way off the rails.
- Killing and murder are crimes, whether by police or the citizenry.
- There is more right than wrong in America.
- Our politicians are blinded by greed, power and arrogance.
- Your church and family need you more today than ever before.
- Is racism systemic? I’m not sure, but we should have that conversation.
- A civil conversation needs a rebirth in America.
- Riots and looting are flat out wrong, no ifs, ands or buts about it.
- Why doesn’t anyone want to listen anymore? Seems as though everyone would rather talk than listen.
- The problem in America today is a sin problem, not a skin problem.
- No one should have to look over his or her shoulder in fear. No one should be minimized, marginalized or diminished. Period.
- Everyone is responsible for his or her own actions. You can’t be like Flip Wilson (look it up) and say “The Devil Made Me Do It!”
- America doesn’t need a revolution, she needs a revival.
I’ve written in these pages for months that significant change is coming and that it’s prudent to be prepared in your finances, health, relationships and, especially spiritually. You may not encounter the specific change you’re advocating, but it will be a change nonetheless, and it may stop you in your tracks. But as the craziness continues with no apparent end in sight, it has become more evident that Americans are losing their way.
Among the chaos and confusion, it’s easy to become sidetracked, concerned, distracted, distressed and feel hopeless and in despair. But it’s more critical today to push through the clutter and the muck and mire.
Two key things:
Where is your anchor? The stability and security that was present only a few months ago have now vanished and have been replaced by uncertainty and anxiety. For so many, the lack of a familiar comfort zone has left them feeling naked. Without an anchor, we simply drift and meander aimlessly from confusion to chaos, crashing against the waves. There is an anchor for your soul (Hebrews 6:18-19). You can stop the drift, set the anchor and establish yourself. God is a safe harbor, and there’s a place for your boat.
What is your reaction? Above all, we are each one responsible for our own actions, words, responses and attitude. And reactions. The world can live in chaos, but we each can choose how we respond. And it’s our reaction to the circumstances that will determine our peace of mind and our lifestyle. You’ve heard this before:
“I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes.” ~Chuck Swindoll.
What has been your response to the actions of others in these precarious times? Are you living in peace and focus, or are you lost at sea? You see, while the coronavirus is very real, it’s the hyperbolic, melodramatic reaction of many governments, leaders and many neighbors across our country alike that has cornered us in our predicament. And that predicament is our reality; it’s your reality.
Though both are imperative, our anchor in God will guide our reaction to the absurdity. Tether yourself to His word, walk with Him consistently, and you’ll find yourself amid a peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and you’ll rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 23). In the meantime, “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14 NLT) and, as a result, “…a thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”
Yes, the coronavirus carousel continues, and it seems as though the operator can’t find the “stop” button. But the good news is that you can get off any time you want! It’s a simple decision, really. And perhaps you’ll find yourself laughing rather than suffocating under the cacophony of noise around you.
People are looking for stability in a shaky world. They want something they can get hold of that’s firm and sure and an anchor in the midst of all of this instability in which they’re living. ~Gordon Hinckley.
In closing, it’s always good to remember whose you are. Speak these words of a popular song The Blessing over you and your family regularly:
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
Your family and your children
And their children, and their children
Amen.