Are you struggling with the effects of COVID-19?

Would you believe it – half of 2020 has gone, never to be seen again – and it has been a year like none other!!

The question is:  “Where are you?”

How we are coping with all that has been happening this year differs from person to person and we probably find ourselves in different “places” at different times – oft’ times fluctuating from place to place.

Recently I tuned in to a brilliant message by Jack Hibbs from Calvary Chapel, Chino Hills, California.  He highlighted a few places where we might find ourselves during this surreal and ridiculous time.  Using these “places” he mentioned, I share my thoughts regarding each of them and also what the Bible says to us as we try to make sense of everything happening.

So, the question we need to answer for ourselves is this … where are we?

In the beginning when the fall took place in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve covered themselves as they realized they were naked and … we know the account well: “And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”  Of course He knew where they were, but it was necessary to be honest with the Lord and speak to Him about where they were and why they were hiding.  We too, need to be honest with God and tell Him how we are feeling and how we are coping.  Tell Him where you are!

Today, God is calling out to us … “Where are you?”   Are you in one of these places right now?

1.  CONFUSED place - With all the mixed and incongruent messages going out, nobody really knowing what is true, what is fake. Leader’s not setting the example and no clear guidelines for individuals, the vulnerable, businesses and leisure, etc, etc., confusion is the inevitable result.   Confusion and insecurity leads to fear. His Word says: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with My victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
2. FEARFUL place. Not understanding what is happening, being given information which is designed to instill fear and insecurity in people, lands us in a fearful place.  Even if fear doesn’t override your thinking, it does push its way through to the surface time and time again.  So many people find themselves in a fearful place due to loss of jobs, income, businesses, and so much more. God’s Word says: “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1) “The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1)
3. FRUSTRATED place.  Because one is confused and fearful to a greater or lesser degree, being locked down and facing a future which we are constantly being reminded will be the “new normal”, it is understandable that one becomes frustrated – sometimes very frustrated. An additional frustration for some of us is the fact that churches are silent – they are not warning people as to the times we are living in and what it is all about – all clearly spelled out in the Bible.  But the pulpits remain silent. I always just say how thankful we can be for the internet and the ability to hear the Truth and to be encouraged by Bible-believing preachers who are not afraid to explain how things that are happening are clearly foretold in the Bible. And THEREFORE, we can have HOPE midst our frustration and general uncertainty! His Word tells us: “Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble”  (Ps 119:165) “I am tired of living among people who hate peace…. I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer.” (Psalm 120:7 & 1) “ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”.  (Philippians 4:6-7)
4. ANGRY place. Perhaps you find yourself in an angry place?  Not surprising due to the confusion all around, the fear tactics, the frustration when one rule applies or holds for the vast majority of people, and another rule applies to others who not only blatantly flaunt the rules and become aggressive and destructive in the process.  Anger can increase when one realizes again that people are being fed misinformation and that it is all part of an agenda leading to socialism and the New World Order.  Angry because you are not able to be with loved ones or earn an income, etc, etc. God’s Word says: “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land”. (Psalm 37:7-8) “God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right. God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day.” (Psalm 7:10-11)
5. A place of WEARINESS.  With all that is happening, with a crazy world with news bulletins pumping out info to depress and confuse, many of us may simply be feeling totally weary of everything. His Word tells us: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23) “Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest'” (Matthew 11:28) “I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing” (Jeremiah 31:25)
6. LONELY place.  With Lockdown causing so much isolation and separation from friends and family, loneliness can be a really huge problem.  Even with some restrictions being eased, the interaction permitted is not the same.  Loved ones passing away and no proper “saying goodbye” can exacerbate everything. The Word of God says: “Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all!” (Psalm 25:16-17) ” Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
7. DARK place – All that has gone before can lead one to a very dark place.  We have seen an increase in suicides, violence and abuse. But even if not so drastic, the depression that takes hold of one can be overwhelming and one finds it difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel His Word reminds us: “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you …Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” (Psalm 42:5,6 & 11)
8. HOPELESS place.  With no end in sight (humanly speaking) and feeling desperate for a normality which is unlikely to return (not as we knew it); when you might just get the feeling that even God has forgotten you – remember all is NOT lost. I can say that with calm assurance because of what God has revealed in His infallible Word. God’s Word reminds us: Of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 (read the story again and take courage). “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me”   (John 14:1) “ Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”   (Hebrews 10:23)

God’s presence calms our panic and confusion. God’s care of us is the antidote to our despair. God’s power will ultimately resolve our problems (The Promise Bible)

My  prayer for you today is: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”   (Romans 15:13)

If you are in need of prayer or further spiritual help, please do not hesitate to contact me. All information is held in strictest confidence at all times.

Every blessing

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