This morning as I waited for our church’s online service to begin I scrolled through social media and one post in particular caught my eye because it mentioned God’s comfort for His people found in Isaiah 40.
In light of the COVID-19 virus and the high-alert we are living in at the moment, comfort seems to be in short supply lately.
Maybe that’s part of the problem. Our desire for our own comfort. In this day and age, our lives revolve around comfort. As I’m making dinner, I joke to my family about the commercials I see on tv because I am reminded that we are being programmed to believe it is our absolute right to sit on the couch, dial a number and wait to have, of all else, fast food, delivered to our doorstep.
Oh what a world we live in!
Convenience for convenience sake is mandatory.
Too tired to go through a drive-thru? No worries, push a button and 15 minutes later its at your doorstep.
Don’t want to lock your doors? That’s ok, an app connected to your home’s security system will do the trick.
What about cleaning? We’ve got you covered there too, a little programming and voila! your robotic sweeper will get your dust bunnies out the door before you ever step foot inside your home.
We are a people that demands ease. We crave it. We live for it. And frankly, I’m not so sure many of us really know how to live without it.
So when a pandemic hits out lives, our comfort is disrupted and complete chaos ensues.
Now don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against apps or programs that aid in our existence. But not to the extent that we forget who God is or worse, start believing that we are our own god. The captain of our own lives without recourse or accountability.
Yet, that’s where I think that’s the road we’re walking.
I for one, don’t want to join the masses.
Not joining in the crowds doesn’t mean my life isn’t effected by pain, heartache and viral pandemics. It is.
In fact, I work for a senior living, so yes, I’ve been living, working and navigating quarantines, fear-riddled residents and fielding nervous family members on how and what our facility is doing to keep everyone safe, all the while, washing my hands, sanitizing every surface and screening every delivery person that comes to the door.
And yet, I find myself at peace.
How is that possible? where does my comfort, peace and thanksgiving come from?
Only One. Jesus.
In fact, as I turned the pages of my bible to Isaiah 40, one verse in particular resonated with me this morning, Isaiah 40:11, “He tends His flock like a shepherd, He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.”
Now maybe it’s because I am a momma and I love how we are told God carries us close to His heart. There is something so tender about these verses and knowing that God, in His infinite love, grace and wisdom, holds us, reminds me that we are loved by God the Father.
The imagery this verse conjures, for me is sweet, precious and tender. A gentle reminder that God is caring for us always. That He loves us so much that He tends to our needs, protecting us from danger, showing us the way to walk through this life in safety and trust in Him.
I am humbled to know that God carries me close to His heart. Just like a momma with her child, God is ever mindful of our every need and quick to provide.
Today I want to leave you with that image and His words of truth and promise.
We serve a mighty God. Our everlasting Savior and loving Shepherd looks out for us, now in this distressing time and always.
So dear friends, my prayer is this, may you rest in the arms of your Lord and Savior. Trust that He will carry you, lead you and provide for you as only He can because He knows you so well.
Until next time,
I am praying for you,
