Social Distancing brings an odd push and pull of emotions

Living close to the Savior is not a place of clamor, confusion and clutter. It is a place of quiet rest despite the storm clouds that come rolling in. They may look like they are going to take us under; but Jesus Christ is the only One who can calm the angry waves. If you remember, the disciples looked at the waves that could sink them while the Master of the sea, Jesus, was asleep in the boat. Through all that we are going through Jesus offers His children the gift of Himself, the gift of hope and the gift of perfect peace admit the uncertainty of Covid 19.

Jesus offers the gift of Himself

I have found that in these past two weeks of social distancing, that there is a subtle undercurrent that is clamoring to rise to the top. There have been some days that life has threatened to pull me under as the waves above loom large, ready at any moment to give way and crash over me. But in these times, I have sensed Jesus saying; “In the name of Jesus, they will lose their power as you look to the One who is the Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Prince of peace.”

As I walk my neighborhood there is an unnerving calm amidst a virus-storm. Neighbors ride bikes or walk their dogs; but silently cross to the other side of the street or step out of the way so you can pass. I feel as though they are shouting; “Unclean, unclean!” While there are others who keep their distancing but party it up in the middle of a side-street. It’s an odd push and pull of emotion.

Through all of this I gently hear the voice of Jesus speak to my heart.

Daughter of mine. Look to me. Don’t let your eyes wander to the left or right. Fix your gaze upon me. I am your Mighty Savior. I love you with an everlasting love. I am all you need in this situation that threatens to crash over you. Look to me. Come rest in me. Trust me to do what is best for you.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (NIV)

Jesus offers the gift of hope

During these uncertain times I want to keep looking to Jesus who is my hope, the finisher of my faith. Who for the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.

What about you, what is threatening to wash over you? What looms so large that there seems to be no way possible to get out from underneath it, before it pulls you under with its thunderous crash? Or what quiet undercurrent of push-and-pull are you feeling during this time of social distancing?

” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Jesus offers the gift of peace

Our Savior can move the mountains in our lives. He is our comfort in times of great distress or even when life around us feels slightly off-kilter. He brings a sense of calm when the world is filled with fear and chaos. He is always enough to meet the demands of the troubled times we are in. And in this He offers each of us the gift of His peace.