Quiet
March 26, 2020
These are strange times we are living. Many have been forced to…stop. The many activities that consume our time have…stopped. The constant motion…stopped. Our children’s many activities and games…stopped. And in its place…quiet. Perhaps even…peace? In the midst of a time when so many are fearful, is it possible? Can you find peace?
Since April 21st, I have spent much of my time in quietness, in reflection…time spent with the God of the universe, the God who loves me…the God who still loves me, even though He allowed my daughter’s death. I have come to terms with that (well, most days…some days!)
Having spent hours in His word, hours on my knees, hours laid on the floor exhausted from the tears…I have found…His abiding peace, His perfect comfort.
So, I had a head start on most of the world. My time of stillness, of being “self-quarantined” has been in place for 340 days…almost a year. (And, just to be real, no, every day is not a success! Some days the pain is still too much!)
For you today who are fearful and anxious in this time of uncertainty, may I offer a few thoughts and Scriptures?
First, God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He does not change. His heart still desires for you to turn to Him in trust and repentance. He wants to give you His peace. “My peace I give to you, but not as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Second, God is in control, even when it feels like the world is spinning out of control. “When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm” (Ps. 75:3). He wants to relieve the troubles of your heart and free you from your anguish (Ps. 25:17). God is with us and will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). Trust me, I have struggled with this! But I can tell you that I absolutely believe God is in control, that Ashley is in heaven with her Savior, that God has a plan for me and for Ashley…a plan for good! Yes, in spite of the deep, abiding pain. Knowing God is in control does not take away my pain. But I have peace through the pain.
Third, I choose to trust God. I have loved Ps. 20:17 for many years: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” My security, my peace…does not lie in government (though I want to have great knowledge and wisdom!), it does not lie in my bank account, it does not lie in my job, or in whatever provisions I have stored. Governments and leaders are doing their best to provide what we need and to stop the spread of COVID-19, but at the end of the day, all the king’s horses and all the king’s men…well, they are human. God, Creator and Sustainer of my life, of the cosmos, the universe…I will choose to place my trust in Him. Ps. 91:2: “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, I Him I will trust.”
Fourth, He is with me…He is with you. Read the entirety of Ps. 23. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you, God, are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me”…how I love this verse. Yes, God has been with me through the darkest valley I have ever walked through, darkness where I could not see my hand in front of me. But I could feel His hand holding mine, leading me through the inky blackness of grief and pain and uncertainty. He has been with me, often carrying me, every…single…moment.
Fifth, it is in the stillness that I have found His heart. Ps. 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Ps. 62:5 encourages us to wait quietly before God, for our hope is in Him. I have always preferred quiet, but now my soul longs for it. It is a need in my life.
Sixth, my Daddy God is fighting for me. A short while ago, I watched a compilation video of children reuniting with their returned soldier parents. They are children, and likely don’t always understand that their parent is fighting for their freedoms, for their liberty. Like these children, I might not always see with my eyes that God is fighting on my behalf, but I know that He is…even in this pandemic. And, just as these precious children, I cannot wait for the joy of His embrace when I see Him face to face.
Seventh…prayer. I have spent so much time on my knees, at the throne of grace. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). As a whole, we have become a godless society, embracing a culture that does not honour our Creator, the lover of our souls. Is this a spiritual battle? Oh, yes. Get on your knees in humbleness and seek the one who knows you, who loves you! And pray! He longs to meet you in that sweet place of fellowship.
Eighth, trust Him. When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart (lyrics by Babbie Mason). When you feel the anxiety and fear creeping in, stop, breathe deeply, whisper a prayer 9or say it out loud!); God, fill me with Your Spirit, take the fear and anxiety, quiet me with your love and rejoice over me with Your song (Zephaniah 3:17), and fill me with Your peace.” There are so many Scriptures about meditating on God, His word, His words, His promises. Many of these tell us to meditate at night, or “on our bed”. I often do this. It is at night when my mind most often wanders to all that I wish I could change, and to the memories of April 21st, causing such anxiety in my soul. I’ve found when I change that focus to God’s goodness and His faithfulness in my life, the whole attitude of my heart shifts, and I’m able to sleep and to rest in His peace.
Last, be smart! Follow the guidelines: social distancing, staying home as much as possible, good hygiene: wash your hands, disinfect, avoid touching your face! God expects you to do your part in this! And, just because you “isolate” doesn’t mean you should be in isolation! What?! Stay at home, but continue to reach out to others by phone, text, etc.
I could keep going, but I’ll stop here. It’s already long enough! I’m praying God’s peace, His blessing, His comfort, His provision, and His favor for you. If I know you’re struggling…fear, anxiety, loneliness, illness, provisions…know that I’m praying for you. If you want me praying specifically for you, let me know. It would be my honor.
Last, if I could ask a favor of you: please remember to pray for our healthcare providers and first responders. I’m a nurse, but i’m not in the trenches: the ER, ICU, etc. They are overwhelmed and are doing a fabulous job. I’m so proud of them. If Ashley were here, that’s where she would be. I think of and pray for her coworkers, who were so special to her.
Sending love and prayers to each of you! 💕
