Reframe our world
This fresh set of Daily Devotions is being provided for our LCA/NZ family, friends and visitors to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we face unsettling times. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the LCA/NZ’s Church@Home resources to encourage us and build trust in our Heavenly Father during this season of uncertainty and physical isolation.
Click here for your printable verse to carry with you today.
REFRAME OUR WORLD
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy (Psalm 94:19).
I’d heard all about the craziness going on in shops, but when I actually went there trying to do my normal week-to-week shopping, I was incredulous at the fact that there were empty shelves. All I wanted to do was cook this recipe I’d googled, but I couldn’t get chicken! I’d heard about toilet paper, I’d heard about sanitizers. But not chicken. What am I going to have for tea tonight? There wasn’t any chicken. No frozen vegetables. It was mental. And people were looking at each other and going, ‘What is going on?’
God doesn’t condemn us for our anxiety. He knows us, and he knows us well. But this is an opportunity to ask how can we put that anxiety to rest? Are we going to turn back in on ourselves and try to find the answers within ourselves? And then end up scrabbling in the supermarket lane over toilet paper. Or is this a call for us? God is saying, ‘No, don’t look to your own answers. Look outside of yourself. Turn yourself over to me. Trust me.’
Many generations before us have endured terrible hardships, and God has brought them through. He’ll bring us through as well.
Instead of living with fear, selfishness and hoarding, maybe there are opportunities in this situation to reframe our world. We could get on the phone and call someone who is in self-isolation. Or reconnect with people we’ve lost touch with. Maybe we can learn some positive ways to use social media. Let’s use these challenging days to show the love that God gives us through Jesus Christ.
Dear God, thank you for your love and care, even when I am afraid and anxious. Help me to trust in your loving presence and share your love with others. Amen.
