Initially when the self-quarantine started, I figured it would be over in a few weeks. I assumed that since it was a short-term thing, that I could just pause my normal schedule for a short time and then pick it back up when everything passed. Usually, my morning schedule included going to my Church, reading the Bible, doing some Bible study, writing about whatever the spirit led me to write, praying and then jumping into my work day. It was a very nice, quiet, productive start to my day. Throughout a typical week, I was reading the Bible everyday and writing at least three devotional posts. I felt very connected to Christ through the Holy Spirit – it was good. But then the virus hit and I just decided to pause for a few weeks.

It never occurred to me that three MONTHS later we would still be dealing with the virus, let alone the societal problems caused by it. It never occurred to me that the entire world would then explode such that people in my suburb and neighborhood would be worried about people rioting. It never occurred to me that we would not be at church for at least 6 months. It never occurred to me what the normal family issues would be like with this as a backdrop. It never occurred to me that I might lose my job in the middle of it. It never occurred to me that that fear and anger would be the ruling emotions in the world.

And here I am, paused. 

My emotions are blown about by the ever-changing winds ripping through our world. My grip on the Rock of my faith, hope and love slips a little. My connection to my fellow believers frays dangerously.

Maybe you are paused too. It is time for us to hit play.

1 I love you, Lord, my strength.

2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

    my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,

    and I have been saved from my enemies.

4 The cords of death entangled me;

    the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.

5 The cords of the grave coiled around me;

    the snares of death confronted me. – Psalm 18:1-5

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;

    He drew me out of deep waters.

17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,

    from my foes, who were too strong for me.

18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,

    but the Lord was my support.

19 He brought me out into a spacious place;

he rescued me because he delighted in me. – Psalm 18:16-19

Photo by Steve Johnson from Pexels