Confidence During Quarantine

Many viruses with new adaptations have emerged in the past twenty years but none as insidious and deadly as the Covid- 19. This virus has spread world-wide and caused extensive damage and loss in its wake which is still ongoing. We were not prepared for a pandemic and all of its loss. Loss of loved ones, jobs, connections and vacations to name a few but the biggest has been loss of control.  I am glad to know that our God is in control and nothing is a surprise to Him.

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Prov 16:9

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope      Jer 29:11

Human beings have always been able to adapt even though we do not particularly like change. As a New Englander I often comment on the changing weather but I can’t do a thing about it except adapt. It took awhile but most of us acclimated to the new “virtual world”.  How great to know that God never changes.

I am the Lord, and I do not change.       Malachi 3:6

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever       Hebrews 13:8

When the shutdown started – everyone started cleaning cupboards and closets out because they had extra time. What we learned is that we all have too much “stuff” lurking in various places in our homes. Many of my friends have “down-sized” and I know I have way too many hoarded treasures, my husband labels “junk”. There is nothing wrong with being comfortable or owning nice things but when do we say, “enough”?

Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.²⁰ Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.²¹ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.        Matthew 6:19-21

We still are not sure what this “new normal” will look like. Acceptance gives us a better picture of what needs to be or can be done.  Acceptance changes our perspective from what I can’t do or don’t have to being thankful for all I have and looking for new opportunities.  We can’t actually go very many places but we are grateful for our neighborhood and take walks to enjoy the flora and fauna around us. We have played more board and lawn games. It’s important to be mindful of the good things and enjoy life everyday.

 So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!⁸ Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne!⁹ Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.¹⁰ Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.              Ecclesiastes 9:7-10                                                                                        (Solomon had become a bit jaded when he wrote this.)

 We are so unprepared for the unexpected yet predictable.  For example, how many adults have a will, have written or even spoken about possessions and final wishes? Yet it is inevitable that we all will die someday. We need to be better prepared for the possible and inevitable whether it is an illness, retirement or caring for children and aging parents. The most important question is are you prepared for eternity? Where does your hearts’ desire lie? Have you nourished your soul? If today were your last day would you be ready?

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.          John 14:6

 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.         1 John 1:9

 ¹³ I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.¹⁴ And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.¹⁵ And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.        1 John 5:13-15

Dear Reader – I hope you are confident in the faith and in your future.  If you have any questions, please write to me – I would love to share more.  All verses are in the New Living translation.