Now, most of our world has been asked to utilize our home settings to do work and school, also worship and prayer and community meetings. If you have not already had seasons like this – the time is now for the various people that live in our home.

What can we do?  Looking at history offers an answer…

 

In the Book of Isaiah we see God’s steadfast love recommending and declaring what home will be for His people. Three key adjectives are used: peaceful, secure and quiet.

 

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation,

in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:18

 

This literal description is hopeful and helpful when we wonder, “Where is God in all of this suffering from the COVID19?

 

In these days, just like in the days of the Prophet Isaiah, we too may see God caring for His people who are undeservedly suffering. We are reminded in whom we may find “HOME;” in Yahweh, our ever-present God who reigns.

 

As we learn or relearn the loveliness of our dwelling place called, home — embracing this metaphysically, we remember it is Our Most High God whom we turn for peace, security and quiet within the depth of our souls as everything around us is changing. We want so much to be of help to those suffering. Restoring us, He will gather His precious ones in His Arms, whether Chinese, Italian, American, Korean or Brazilian; all over the world, we cry together for Our God to carry us through, together. Kindness will rise, sacrifice will be glorious; a position to witness.

 

But to this person I pay attention, to the weak and broken-spirited, to the person who trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:1

 

Thank You, Holy One, for Your saving mercy. Thank You for tenderly loving Your people and drawing us together in song as we lean on You in our weakness. Your strength and steadfast love will overcome. Thank You for showing us how to be a compassionate community believing and trembling in love for You. Hear the weak, O Lord, and give us a new understanding of “home,” — Your heavenly realm in the midst of the coronavirus.

We will rest in You, our secure dwelling place. In Jesus Name, we pray. Amen.

Yes, we may speak about fear.  We will experience fear.

Then what?

Yes, go ahead and name your feelings, “I am afraid, or I have fear.”

Then, take several deep breaths and begin to listen deeply.

Ask God to replace the fear with peace.  Will it happen?

Yes, listen fully.  Listen for the Holy Spirit praying for you and praying with you.

Yes, the Spirit of God meets you right in the midst of your very real feelings.

God is not policing your feelings.

God does not accept just certain feelings from His dear children.

No, all of your feelings are recognized and held by God.

If so, then what are the steps we should take?

No need to try to know a perfect process.

God’s loving Spirit is already there.

There right in the midst of your fear.

There right in the midst of the struggle.

Praying, holding and…transforming you.

Yes, as you allow your cry of fear to be spoken to God.

You are agreeing with a change, His Spirit meeting your fear.

Changing your fear of what you see — to faith in what you cannot see.

Then we are able to trust even when we cannot clearly see His provisions.

Trust in a Magnificent God who relieves your fear.

Trust borne out of an honesty with His Spirit.

Trust borne out of His Spirit praying with us.

Trust in His loving grace transforming us!

He’s done it once and He will do it again!

Yes, speak the truth.

Accept there is a gift of the Holy Spirit happening within you.

O Holy God, thank you for transforming my fear to trusting in Your on-going provisions.  Your provisions are available right in the midst of our troubles.

Together, we turn around and say, “Thank You, Sweet Lamb of God.  Amen.”