Good morning and welcome to another day where we all seem to be waiting for the other shoe to drop. I'm talking about the resurgence of the Coronavirus pandemic that seems to be intent on messing with our holidays this year. It is Wednesday, November 18, 2020, and people are now checking to see just how long they can keep that huge turkey in the freezer just in case they have to cancel their family gathering. To say 2020 has been a really different kind of year goes without saying. Even our dialogue has changed. Our children are daily into using new terminology, like 'pandemic', 'social distancing', 'distance learning', and, all kinds of slang referring to the mask-wearing requirement. Online platforms have hurried to add search terms and other information directly connected to the virus itself. Gamechanger. No doubt. In our little sphere, it appears the virus is taking on a second wave in terms of its spread. I base this on reading new positive confirmations among our Facebook friends and reports from our Church family. I saw where some of the medical folks are saying even after we get a vaccine there will continue to be a need to wear the mask and stay away from each other. Really? As if we have not become isolated enough. Right?
Some have made the point how the government has dealt with the pandemic gave us all some glimpses into how socialism works. Government control. Intrusion. Shortages. Long lines. Less freedom. A spirit of hopelessness. Just to name a few. Sadly, as the recent election proves, we have folks who actually want to move in this direction. They proclaim, not to worry because in our land it will be something called democratic socialism. Call it whatever they will, it all ends up with the government becoming the decider-in-chief for all aspects of our daily lives. While many think those who see this as a great threat to the America we have loved and known, the other side dismisses the concerns on the basis of giving everyone a better life. At 74 years and counting, I am not as concerned about myself personally, but, I am very saddened when thinking about the potential long-term impacts on my grandchildren and their kids. It could easily end up being like the proverbial frog in the water on the burner. The heat doesn't immediately hurt the frog. In fact, it might even feel pleasant at first. Lured into complacency, the frog is too lethargic to do anything when the water begins to boil. Overly dramatic and pessimistic? I sure hope I am being just that.
I know that all sounds rather ominous, but, we are not without hope or resources. I close with some truths that will help us all as we make our way through these choppy waters. Amen. ....More later.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The One who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Psalm 94:19
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
Luke 12:22-26
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”
Revelation 1:17
“Then He placed His right hand on me and said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.”
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