Right now, the world is going through a very stressful time with this new virus that is a killer. No, it doesn’t kill everyone who gets it. Often, the people who get it don’t even feel very sick, but there are some who do. They get very sick and nearly die. Some even do. It’s very scary. Those who get the disease don’t know which group they will fall into.
Of course, the health concerns are very scary. But now, with the quarantines, there is another problem demonstrated by the fluctuating stock market. How soon will work life be back to normal? So a “side” concern for many is this: After the dust settles from this quarantine, will I still have a job? Will the business I own still be viable? How much will our community be affected by this economic hit? No one knows. Add to this, all the events that have been planned for the Spring and early summer that may not be able to happen. No one knows.
I’m not trying to worry you as you read this. I’m just stating some of the questions floating around in our heads and conversations. Just when I have a moments when I think I have my head wrapped around what is happening, I hear something new that makes my head spin! I’m sure that has happened to many of you as well.
How do we deal with all this craziness?
Talk to our Heavenly Father. If there is ever a time when we need to be aware of His embrace, it is now! In times of confusion, loss of control, an uncertain future, we can figuratively sit in His lap and spill our needs to Him. It’s not a time for formal lists necessarily. It’s a time to just talk to Him and tell Him what your worries and concerns are as they come…but also ask Him to protect you people, your city, your nation and even the world from the extremes this situation could go. Asking for mercy. That is a good thing to ask for.
Those who receive mercy are more likely to give mercy
The same goes for requests related to jobs and the economy. We understand that GOD doesn’t owe us anything. But we can ask for mercy in regard to our economy and our jobs. Along with that, we need to look around us and be generous toward those who are struggling more than we are in our communities.
When we receive mercy, we also want to give mercy. Until now, many of us have not been aware of the mercy we have received. This will be a good time to journal so we can look back and remember the changes GOD brings into our lives. In the past few years, we have received mercy and grace in ways we never anticipated. No, Ron hasn’t been healed, but GOD has given us mercy in many other ways.
When you pray, look for the answers GOD gives, even if they are different than the answers you originally wanted
When we pray, we need to look for GOD’s answers even when they aren’t always the answers we asked for. Just remember. He is GOD. He is not an equal. He knows the future. He knows how everyone and all of history fit together. We don’t. So we can trust His answers to our prayers, even when they are difficult.
Remember, GOD loves us more than we could ever imagine. Yet He is powerful and able to change big things if it is His will. He is wise. He knows the end from the beginning. We need to trust in His answer to our requests…that is comes from a loving hand.
Give ear to my prayer, O God,
and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!
Attend to me, and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
because of the noise of the enemy,
because of the oppression of the wicked.
For they drop trouble upon me,
and in anger they bear a grudge against me.Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.Psalm 55:1-3, 22 ESV
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
