Who would have ever imagined such a global pause? I look back at devotionals written during the
stress and the business of life, and can hardly fathom the extent to which our
world has changed.
Social media is currently filled with photos of board
games and puzzles; of crafts and creative family dinners - evidences of some
really great substitutions for all the running-here-and-there that so often
dictates our human existence.
Many stores are closed, of course, but during a recent trip
to Ace Hardware, an employee remarked to my husband on the unexpected INCREASE
in business. It seems like many folks are finally getting around to the house
projects that have been on their to-do lists!
There is a renovation project on the way to our local grocery
story, and it has been a secret pleasure of mine, watching the progress. Perhaps
the owners are being able to sand and paint a little more than usual right now,
because the front of the house is coming along quite rapidly.
The truth of the matter is, through this pandemic, God has
given us THE GIFT OF TIME. Time to
notice areas in need of attention - both in our homes and in our hearts.
Psalm 119:59 says, “I
thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.”
Such a convicting verse.
Are we taking heed and thinking on our ways? Are we contemplating the direction in which
our life has been going? There are
things in my own life that I want to change; NEED to change. Is it the same for you?
Government officials are hoping to re-open our borders, soon;
to return to “business as usual.” But, in all honesty, I don’t know if we’re ready
yet. Have you and I turned to God with
our whole heart? As individuals, have we grown, through this difficulty? Are we
learning the lessons that Almighty God wants us to learn? This week, during an online service, I heard
a pastor express it like this: “Normal is not what we need to get back to. We need to get back to God and His Word.”
How grateful I am for the blessed promise of James 4:8, which
says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw
nigh to you.”
Being more of a homebody by nature, I’ve probably delighted
in this social distancing more than most people. I confess, I’ve loved the consistent schooling,
the extra cooking and cleaning, the crafts, and the crisp spring air! But in the midst
of what is really good, I pray I might not lose sight of what is BEST. I pray I might not miss this opportunity to
grow in my relationship with God – to experience a personal revival in my soul!
Lately, I find myself hungering for the Lord. It makes me think of the verse in Psalms that
speaks of longing for God like a deer longing for water. The story of Mary sitting at the feet of
Jesus also comes to mind.
Do you long for Him, too, Dear Sister? Do you want more of
God? What a significant soul-searching time this could be for each of us, if
we’d only let it be so.
Jeremiah 29:13 declares, “And
ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your
heart.”
