Peace In uncertain times

A time for everything?

We’re told these are uncertain times. What about yesterday, last year, or twenty years from now? Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Isn’t any time an uncertain time? As we pray for our families, friends, and co-workers, we’re united in a cause to overcome not only this pandemic we see in front of us, but what we don’t see ahead. Today, I’m reminded to look to Calvary’s hill: A dreaded place where death thought it had won. The grave could not keep God’s son—Jesus overcame. He arose and became the reason hope and faith still exists today. For such a time as this or any other day, this assurance is where I find peace in uncertain times. 

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For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven

Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV

Peace. Calm. Quiet.

I have family in New York City, across NY state, and Louisiana. Our phone calls and texts resonate with heartfelt stories and appreciation for frontline medical workers, firefighters, and police officers who are increasingly lacking critical protection. New Yorkers stay home in compact apartments to try to flatten the curve. The usually bustling streets resemble ghost towns. Many restaurants and bars are closed. People keep their distance while walking (WHAT???) in Central Park.

Help and helplessness vs. Life and death

What can I do to help them? Why do I feel helpless when I mention sending a care package with toilet tissue, hand sanitizer, and chewing gum? Life as we knew it ceased. Families can’t bury loved ones. Tears outnumber smiles. It’s a time of horrific loss. Although the eye-opening juxtaposition of the uncertainties of this life and the certainty of death intrigues scholars and critics alike, I choose to focus on life, not death.

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While this present world crisis has devastated an unfathomable number of families, it has also motivated countless others to share resources, give of themselves, care for others—and to pray. Global unity takes on a new meaning when we all ask to simply live to see another day. As I look to God’s word for answers, Once again, I’m moved to remember the cross.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 ESV

When too quiet = the new normal

We miss our kids and grandchildren. However, many families have forged a stronger bond that overrides what they lost. There’s time to venture out of our comfort zones and attempt to learn and teach others about technological endeavors such as video meetings and Live Stream church services.

Family bike rides, dog walks, movie night and so many things we’ve taken for granted over the years are now precious once again. Perhaps what some thought was a global plot against us, or others said was a curse, is an eye-opening gift many of us need to see. After all, to be present in one’s life is to truly be alive. Each day. Each moment.

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Sunday is coming

When fear and anxiety threaten to steal my joy, hope, and peace—I’m reminded of the one who overcame the world. His love and selflessness endured the cross and darkness of hell. However, on this day we call Good Friday, I usually feel anything but good. There’s a darkness lurking in the air.

My spirit, somber with heaviness—Until I remind myself, Sunday is coming. Death could not keep Jesus in the grave. What have I to fear when my mind is set on eternity? Nothing I think I need or want today compares to what I already have. No disease or plague can separate me from the hope I’ve found in him. It’s where I can finally rest and find peace in uncertain times.

nor height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39 ESV

Faith + hope = no fear

Why do we let the fear of tomorrow steal today’s blessings? Who among us has the power of such certainty? Historians and scientists don’t like to admit it, but they’ve helped to prove: There is only one Jesus. Today, as I reflect on how he calmed the seas and mighty winds, all the “what if’s” fade away.

I’m reminded although circumstances will always threaten to rock our world—faith gives us hope. It picks us up. Moves us forward—even when all else has ceased or the economy seems to have taken ten steps backward. Hope makes the weak stronger than we could ever think or imagine we’d be. This is where peace is found.

It is the Lord who goes before you; he will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 31:8

We’re in this together

We can shine God’s light by showing selflessness and mercy to others. But, can we go on with life as if nothing has changed?  It’s not about what we had, don’t have, or wanted to acquire for someday. Someday isn’t reality.

Today is what matters. It’s about love and living in the moment—even when I’m not sure how many moments I have left. Tomorrow is a wish, next year, only a dream. Someday may never be a day you or I get to enjoy. We have today. It’s not what we envisioned. We’re making (and wearing) masks. Maybe now, living holds more meaning than it did a few months ago.

It’s all about perspective. What good is my faith if I say I believe God has not given me a spirit of fear, and yet I worry about the future? He gave us the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Do we share and use those gifts to edify others? Since we’re in this together, I pray we look to Jesus this Holy Week, and throughout this present storm. And as we do, I hope we experience an outpouring of peace that surpasses all understanding.

Holy Week and beyond

Dear friends,

Let’s take in these quiet moments during Holy Week without fear. May it be a time when our families pause and reflect on Jesus and the indescribable gift of eternal life he has given us. Share the good news with your friends. We’ve slowed down to a crawl, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Finally. We can focus on what matters most, not what we should wear for Easter church service, attending social events, or where to go for dinner. I’m praying for you and your families. Thanks for keeping Dennis and I in your thoughts as he recovers from a heart attack that rocked our world in January. He had a fever and a few setbacks last week, but praise God, he’s feeling better this week…and yes, I insist he wear a mask when we’re out in public.

Feeling weary and alone while practicing social distancing? Where do you look for peace in uncertain times? Don’t forget to join the conversation in the Inspire A Fire comments section below this post.

I’d love to hear from you. Stop by http://joannclaypoole.com, the quirky Dreamdove Flights of Fancy blog https://joannclaypoole.wordpress.com or FB, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest for more stories, quotes, and the every day family la, la, la.

Wishing you blessings, health, and peace for the journey.

JC

Thanks: All photo & images from Pixabay: Feature Image (Tree/Nature/Path) by jplenio. Gallery #1: TL baby boy/bear image by cherylholt, TC Bible image by Free-Photos, TR Night sky/Milky Way image 272447, Bottom image by jeffjacobs1990. Gallery #2: TL Bridge NYC image by 12019, TC Central park bridge image by smaus, TR Coronavirus (covid) isolation ward image by geralt, Bottom: Man w cat/ face mask Lg image by OrnaW. Gallery #3: TL Little girl on computer image by finelightarts, TC Dog image by alihasadd25, TR Father/ son image by Olichel, Bottom Lg sunflower field / woman image by JillWellington. Single Lg image by PublicCo.