S.A.F.E.

Let's be SAFE! That is what the media, our community, and the nation has been saying for almost a week now. We all realize that we MUST practice social distancing so we can protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. 

We keep using this word safe which often times puts us in this small box that we have to hide everything in...we have to keep it all to ourselves and we do not share with others.





When our world says, "let's stay S.A.F.E." they mean:
Stay
. 
Away
.
From
.
Everyone
.


When we should be saying, "S.A.F.E.":
Serve
.
Actively  
.
Faithfully
.
Everyday
.

I want to focus on Psalm 46, which captures the love, protection, and stillness of God. This Psalm brings peace over my soul and makes me throw all my worries, doubts, and fears to Him.

In this time of uncertainty, "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."(Psalm 46:1-NLT) So we need to SERVE intentionally, when things in our world seem crazy and out of control we do have control over our actions and intentions. During this time, let us look after our neighbor, call/video a friend, or write a letter to someone you haven't spoken to in a while. Lets serve with thankful hearts, the Lord has not called us home yet...there is still work to be done.

As this virus has taken over the nation and the world, He has remained in control over all things and He is ACTIVE! There are constant reminders of His love and promise to us, I was reminded of this as I saw a video of citizens in Italy singing praises, as their country is on lockdown because of this deadly virus. How cool is that?! These people have endured so much pain, but even so they still find the strength to praise the Father. Even in the midst of despair and darkness, our Father always displays the light. So if the Lord is finding a way to be active, then we can too. We can start by turning off the unneeded news and social media that is only bringing fear and despair into our minds, instead lets flood our accounts with positivity, prayer, and encouragement. Lets be active in our homes as we strengthen our family relationships in this time of quarantine and continue to be active in our community and churches through our online resources. Just because we are "confined" to social distancing, that doesn't give us an excuse to limit our outreach of the Gospel. 

Isn't it amazing that even though churches cannot meet at the church itself, we have the technology to meet virtually! I have been so thankful for my church family and our local pastors as they have been able to share encouraging message and passages with us to encourage us in this difficult time. For some people, it may seem hard or difficult to have faith during this season of life; for many our faith is being tested...I know mine has. In the midst of this quarantine, when we have to be in our homes I have felt myself get depressed and then I get unfocused..then it is all down hill from there. In the midst of that time Psalm 62:5-6 came to mind which says "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."(NIV) As I was thinking of this verse, it directly relates to the Psalm 46 as David says in verse 7"The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us, the God of Israel is our fortress."(NLT) In this time, we need to FAITHFULLY trust Him, because as long as we are with Him-WE WILL NOT BE SHAKEN!

Remember that this moment in our world is just a vapor of our entire lives, so please let is make sure that we use everyday wisely. While keeping that in mind, let us remember that we have EVERYDAY within and after this pandemic to spread the love, peace, and grace of Christ. Psalm 46:10 says"Be still, and know that I am God! I will honored by every nation I will be honored throughout the world." He is the one that is the driver's seat, He has ultimate power, control, and wisdom over my situation and the world; so lets let Him take complete and ultimate control as we are His hands and feet. 

During this time, lets be strong, courageous, uplifting, faithful, and encouraging to one another. This is the time when we need to link arms, praise the Father for another day, pray for the healing of our nation and our world, pray for our political leaders and our economic standing, and above all pray that the world will hear and see the Gospel.