Now You Have Time...

There has been a lot written in the recent past about God's call to us to stop all our running, rushing and activities and spend intimate time with HIM. In the midst of this terrible virus outbreak, and all the lock-downs and quarantines, the revelation hit me strongly today that He now has virtually the whole world in this position! Restaurants, bars, gyms, sports events and movie theaters are shut down. The silence is deafening - but in the silence I hear that Still, Small Voice say, "Now. Now you have time to seek Me. Now you have moments to listen, if you have ears to hear."

I began to imagine what God could do if we really took advantage of this huge break from all our endless activity.  What if families began to sit around the dining table in the evenings instead of rushing off in three directions to soccer practice, piano lessons and basketball games?  What if they not only sat around the table together, but lingered there, talking to one another, sharing their thoughts and dreams and fears?  Would this not strengthen families?

And then if families became strengthened in love and care for one another, what if communities began to notice the needs around them and reach out to help?  What if older people recognized that there are mothers in the neighborhood who need to work but have kids at home because schools are closed? What if we could help each other through this challenging time by looking beyond ourselves and our own plight?

And then what if communities began to show kindness and love toward one another and then this horribly divided, angry nation began to heal?  What if politics and primaries became secondary to a wave of faith and prayer?

I know that God's servant Joseph (back in the book of Genesis) found a great key to surviving all the terrible mistreatment and tragedy that befell him. He amazed his brothers who had sold him into slavery when he told them, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..." (Genesis 50:20). What the enemy means for harm, our Mighty God CAN turn and use for good.  I pray that we can start by using this "reset of American life" (as they say on the news) and reset our focus and our priorities on what REALLY matters.  

Suddenly the roar of traffic, the noise of restaurants and the stress of our schedules has all come to a grinding halt, and it is quiet. Don't waste this opportunity to spend quiet time with your Bridegroom-King, who is coming soon.  For those who choose to come into the shadow of the Most High, and spend time with Him, trusting Him for the days ahead, He makes this wonderful promise:

Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. (Psalm 91)