Steadfast Love in a Restless World

…I think that one word describes us best after our first full week in self-quarantine. Don’t get me wrong! We are healthy in our house but are just trying to be safe for others’ sake by staying home. As a result, having six people under one roof nearly 24/7 is a new normal for us to adjust to as it is for the rest of the world with additional constraints being placed on us daily.

I keep seeing suggestions everywhere for things to do at home, grand recipes to try, new crafts to create and huge DIY projects to jump into now that “we have all of this extra time on our hands.”

What?!

I know I’m not alone in feeling that our family does NOT have much extra time on our hands. In fact, I’m writing this while simultaneously answering phone calls and emails from church family and our family and friends and making sure my kids aren’t killing one another. If anything, I’m becoming a better multi-tasker!

I’m now juggling a new adventure in homeschooling our two oldest children (ages 7 and 9) while keeping my youngest two (ages 3 and 2) engaged (the youngest of whom has only been home with us 7 months), continuing to work my part time job at our church (up to 20 hours a week), connecting with and assisting my extended family from afar, running necessary errands and completing everyday, normal housework so my family doesn’t go hungry, walk around naked or be buried in a pit of dirt and mire. My husband is still working full time as a pastor, but is now trying to become a tech expert overnight to uncover the best ways to keep our congregation connected during this time. He’s also an incredible dad and husband, helping with the housework, cooking occasionally, bathing the kids and keeping me grounded in God’s Word (I probably should have listed that one first!).

And that’s just it…without Christ, our lives would be chaos right now, but really it’s not because…

God…again God shows Himself big to those who trust in Him.

I’ve had to bury the crazy thoughts that have crept in this week, and my sweet husband can tell you there have been some wild moments! Some days, I read too many news stories and negative comments on social media, and as a result, I’ve occasionally lost sight of what will keep me going in this restless, uncertain time…

…focusing on the steadfast love of my God!

Here are some of the passages the Lord has used in my life this past week to bring me back to His truth and reality.:

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nahum 1:7)

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.
(2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

So…what is my role in the midst of these restless times?

As someone who loves the Lord Jesus Christ with all of my heart, my response will be different from the majority of the world’s because He has overcome the world and only in Him is true peace (John 16:33). Speaking this truth into my heart when I begin to trust the world more than a steadfast God is imperative!

However, I can only speak this truth if I’m filling my mind with God’s Word, the Bible. Meditating on what God has done for me then enables me to continue to serve Him and others in His name (Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you., I Samuel 12:24).

So, week #1 of social distancing was spent looking inward, figuring out our new normal in the shadow of a restless world. As we continue that in week #2, we want to reach out even more to uncover the needs of others around us. For me, that includes YOU, my readers!

What are you filling your mind with right now? Who has control of your heart? If you are becoming overcome with worry and have a spirit of restlessness, can I pray for you? Drop a comment below or shoot me a private message! I’d love to pray for your specific need!

Be hopeful, friend! Abound in His steadfast love!

 

*All Bible passages quoted from the English Standard Version