What We Can Remember in Times of Uncertainty

Over the weekend, I watched multiple sermons on my DVR and online by myself. The reason being is the pandemic that is currently engulfing the entire world at this moment. Over the past few weeks, especially, it is having a tremendous effect on the American people. I won’t go into the details, because unless you’ve been living under a rock, there is news everywhere regarding the Coronavirus.

But God is nearer than we think.

Now, I want to get back to the sermons I heard and talk about something that struck me. Did you know in the book of Deuteronomy, Moses instructed the Israelites to “remember” sixteen times! That got me to thinking, how can we “remember” right now and what are things that we can practice during these days of uncertainty.

As the dear pants for the water brooks, so my souls pants for you, O, God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember and pour out my soul within me. (Psalms 42:1-4)

It was last August when I wrote about handling the unexpected seasons of change. Well, this is a change on steroids! And if you have followed my writing or know anything about me, I loathe change. However, I must say, this feels hugely different because I’m going about things alone for the most part. Alone. That is not a fun word, and it’s even worse to experience the feeling of being alone.

My sister cracked a funny line toward me when she came by to visit a couple of weeks ago. She said, “You never have a problem with social distancing.” We laughed and then I reminded her that even though I live alone, it is injuries and illness that have kept me away from my family for several months now. She laughed and stated she knew that. Anyway, I believe it was her way of saying that I have been missed at family and church functions.

To be honest, I don’t think she can begin to comprehend the range of emotions I’ve experienced in the past several months. The joy of finally being able to get out of my bed and leave my room is now being dampened a little in being forced to stay at home. With my underlying health issues, I am more at risk of contracting the virus. So, I’m asking God for wisdom and to keep both my family and me healthy.

For the most part, things are going well. I don’t feel too alone. The primary reason is because of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Our daily conversations bring me such encouragement and peace. Earlier this week, I shared a short devotional in an online group, and one of the ladies asked me to share the information publicly. So, I decided to write this quick post and remind those who read how we can “remember.”

Now when I say remember, I am not only referring to the mind but also the body. This graphic shows seven truths we must put into practice as we go through these tumultuous times.

So, what do you think of this list? How would your daily mindset take form if you put into practice the seven things listed above? I speak from experience that it is natural to get drawn into all the news taking place. Yes, we want to keep aware of the changing situations, but there needs to be a balance. 

So my challenge for you, my friend, is to read and remember the seven things mentioned above. You can even share the image with people you want to encourage. It’s my prayer that this post has given you a bit of inspiration to put these things into practice. Be well. Stay safe, and Lord willing, I’ll talk to you soon.