2020 has certainly been a challenge. In a very short period of time, everyday life has changed. When the pandemic hit a lot of fear took over. Wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer was encouraged with great diligence. People lost their businesses and jobs. Schools shut down and teachers had to learn to teach online. Parents had to homeschool. Kids couldn’t play with friends or visit grandparents in nursing homes. Those who had investments saw huge losses as the stock market spiraled downward. The animosity between political parties grew while anger and hate maturated communities and spread through the news.

It’s been hard to absorb everything. The changes came on quickly and sideswiped many of us. In fact, some of us have still not caught our breath. Why?

With an eternal perspective wading through the deepest of waters is possible. The Word says God will meet our needs and will shelter us under the shadow of His wing. Knowing “That all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” should have been our comfort.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

Maintaining a heavenly perspective takes faith, perseverance, and self-control. When we truly abide in Christ, we are in a spiritual place where we rest in Him. We lay down our wills and accept He is in control… His ways are so much better than our own.

“’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ’For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)

Instead of submission, I should write acceptance, for more and more, as life goes on, that word opens doors into rooms of infinite peace, and the heart that accepts asks nothing, for it is a rest, and the pilgrim of love does not need a map or a chart. ‘I know my road, and it leadeth to His heart.’” -Amy Carmichael

Acceptance opens doors of infinite peace. To gain this peace, which transcends all understanding, we must trust in an unseen God. This is faith. It means we have to set aside the “what if’s” weighing us down and actively chose to claim the promises of God. Many of us are learning what it is to live one day at a time. If you are a list maker and planner this is especially difficult.

God is giving His people time to repent and turn to Him. He does not want a lukewarm church. He wants passionate followers. He is longing for intimate relationships with His children.
Is your prayer and worship energized by the Holy Spirit (Think of King David dancing)?

“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all his might.”2 Sam 6:14 (NIV)

I encourage you to live each day as if God is returning for His Bride, the church. Make God a priority today and keep looking up. Don’t let the cares of this world swallow you up! Live a life of love and abide in His presence. We do not belong to this world. We are just passing through.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20 (NIV)