“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven, including a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.” These are the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 5. I have read them many times without much thought until now. Seemingly, overnight these words became a reality in most of our lives as we shelter in place, wear masks, gloves, and social distance. It has been a strange time. It has happened so fast.
Tears filled my eyes the first time I wore my mask. Masks have always meant hiding to me, not protection. A particular sadness flows over me when I see a small child wearing a mask. Even though I understand it is necessary for the current situation, it just feels wrong.
Last week I overheard a young mother suddenly warning her little boy not to go near “the people” as we walked by. There was fear in her voice. What are these little ones thinking as we protect them? Will they ever be carefree again? Will we? What will it be like when we take our masks off? Will we ever freely hug again, or will fear keep holding back our embraces?
When We’re Troubled and Isolated From All
My heart has been increasingly troubled for those already experiencing partial isolation; the elderly, hospitalized, and imprisoned who are now totally isolated. Scripture tells us in Genesis 2:18, that it is not good for us to be alone. We were created to be engaged in life and with people: to rejoice with them and weep with them. We are accustomed to greeting each other with hugs and often kisses. When we comfort those in pain or who are experiencing loss, we touch and hold them. How I long to throw my arms around my sisters, brothers, friends, and family. Something so simple, so much a part of my life, and now it is discouraged.
It has been especially challenging to be unable to visit friends who have been hospitalized or are living in group homes. More heartbreaking is the inability to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have died during this period. There have been no memorial services filled with friends, family, music, and remembrances. It has been solitary mourning. I am consoled by the assurance these dear friends were received with great joy and love by God as they entered eternity.
There are many questions regarding the future and what it will look like. What will our new normal be, and how soon will we begin the journey post COVID-19? The answers will no doubt unfold and may not be answered to my personal satisfaction. Scientists, researchers, and doctors will do their best to explain why and how to prevent another outbreak. One thing will not change. Each day I will continue to declare, “This is the day you have made, Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in it!” This is my daily choice: to reaffirm my trust, my faith, and my total dependence on the Lord. He is the one who holds my future. He is my refuge, my strength, and my stronghold.
His Love and Grace in Times of Adversity
My other prayer is to be more aware of what is truly important, what gives richness and lasting value to my life, and not to squander moments I can’t get back. I want to be appreciative of the many blessings around me and to look for opportunities to meet the needs of others. Amidst the many changes in our lives, there has been a joy in seeing young families taking walks, bicycling, and fishing together at the lake near our home.
Many of our businesses have quickly adjusted by making masks, producing sanitizer, and changing their businesses with take-out meals instead of inside dining. One of our bakeries has continued to bake bread daily. Each morning it is available and free to anyone who comes to the door. Many are volunteering to do grocery shopping and checking in on neighbors to ensure their needs are being met. God’s grace is all around. There are daily miracles for us to see and to experience as we pray for open eyes and open hearts.
Our Father in heaven always provides new opportunities to see and experience His love and grace during times of struggle and adversity. I am grateful there is no social distancing with the Lord! He is always present. He does not withhold His love, His care, or His embrace.
There is no mask with God. He reveals Himself daily in the sunrise and sunset, in His word, through prayer, in the smiles, calls, and generosity of others.
He revealed himself totally in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
He gave himself entirely on the cross.
Rejoice in this good news. God is with us today and always.
Blessings,
Personal Parables is the blog of Dyann Shepard. Get Dyann’s complementary study in Proverbs and prayer guide, What to Do When You Don’t Feel Good Enough. If you need encouragement to remember the truth about yourself in times of doubt and anxiety, this free 5-day study is for you. Follow Dyann and Personal Parables on Instagram and Facebook. Dyann is available for speaking, guest blogging, and article writing.
Scripture for Meditation
Deepen your thinking on everything having its own time and season with these passages of Scripture. Be sure to read my post, An Appointed Time for Everything.
Psalm 143:8 Amplified Bible (AMP) –
Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For I trust in You.
Teach me the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
Romans 8:38-39 – For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
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.
Zephaniah 3:17 – The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Psalm 118:24 King James Version (KJV) –
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Matthew 6:25-34 – “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Music for Reflection
A time for songs! Enjoy some music, selections inspired by my recent post, An Appointed Time for Everything.
