Those of you who follow my regular
offerings will notice this one is in a different format. This is intentional
because of all that is going on around us. It is my hope that you will read it
anyway.
Our routines have been turned
upside down and it is very probable that even more changes are in store. The
question then arises: What should we be doing during this period of change?
1.
Do Not Fear. It is important that
we do not fear. There are dozens upon dozens of verses reminding us not to
fear.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NET) - Do not be anxious about
anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with
thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses
all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
.
2.
Love Your Children. This should be
obvious, and it seems simple. It should be easier with schools closed and
parents working from home. Just remember that children learn from our actions
and not just our words. If we show fear, they will naturally pick up on this
and it will become their response to the situation as well. Remind your
children that you love them! Remind them that God loves them!
Proverbs 22:6 (NET) - Train a child in the way that he
should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
3.
Do Not Hoard. We’ve all seen the news
items where people have run to the stores and purchased so much more than they
needed. People have been injured and even fights have broken out over the
simplest of items. Remember those whose lives are already difficult like the
elderly and handicapped who may have difficulty just getting to the store.
Imagine being in their place and not being able to get what you need most because
others chose to panic buy.
Proverbs 3:27 (NET) - Do not withhold good from those
who need it, when you have the ability to help.
4.
Be Patient and Kind. Until our
lives return to normal, we will still have to do things like wait in line or
have the store clerk tell us they are momentarily out of an item. When these and
other events like them occur we must continue to love our neighbor as Christ
commands us. Yes, this even applies to those who may decide to treat us
unkindly.
Colossians 3:12-13 (NET) - Therefore, as the elect of
God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one
another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as
the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.
5.
More Changes. As much as our
routines have changed, we could be in store for additional changes and the sooner
we get accustomed to that idea the better. But there are some constants we will
always be able to rely upon.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NET) - Be strong and courageous! Do
not fear or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the one who is going
with you. He will not fail you or abandon you!
6.
Rely Upon God. Things will get
better, but we must rely upon God rather than ourselves until they do!
Isaiah 41:10 (NET) - Don’t be afraid, for I am with you! Don’t be
frightened, for I am your God! I strengthen you— yes, I help you— yes, I uphold
you with my victorious right hand
7.
Jesus Christ Never Changes. No
matter how much things change, there is one glorious constant we can always
count on. Jesus Christ never changes!
Hebrews 13:8 (NET) - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday
and today and forever!
Yes, our lives have changed in
some radical ways. Perhaps there are more changes to come. But through it all we
can rely upon Christ who never changes. We can rely upon His word. We can rely
upon His promise. Things will get better, but until they do, let us remember
how He told us to live!
Blessings Always,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on
Friday, March 27, 2020.
I’ll be back here on Friday, April
3, 2020
