I am grateful and worried. I am grateful that the death rate from COVID is falling. But, the virus is roaring around our country — no, THE WORLD – like wildfires, hurricanes, and murder hornets. (See the Johns Hopkins U numbers.)
Me and my masked Boyfriend
So, I remain worried.
In the past 10 months, I knew about people who tested positive and developed COVID-19; today I know them. Just yesterday, I learned four families have contracted COVID-19, and attending illnesses like pneumonia.
Grateful and Worried!
Yes, treatments are improving, and a vaccine may soon arrive. However, this virus is like a burglar who breaks into our house, then opens up the doors and windows to let in all other kinds of varmints, who will trash the house – our body.
More worrying news is that angry people are congregating in protests, and not masking. For instance in Germany, people want an end to restrictions. (link)
People want their lives back!
It’s a familiar plea, one I voice throughout the nights and days!
But, 2020 seems like it will keep changing the landscapes of our lives for a while longer, like an episode in the Twilight Zone, or Outer Limits!
Normal will look different when it comes — if it comes.
So, I put up the Christmas wreath, and added candles in our window. When asked if I were rushing the season, I said yes: We need a little Christmas!
But what I really need is a lot of Christ.
The funny thing about the isolation imposed by the pandemic is the amount of preaching and teaching that abounds. More light in these darkened times is more freely available than ever before! Every day I can hear sermons, read articles, or listen to podcasts comforting and exhorting – magnifying Christ.
But the UN-funny thing is that my heart can be hard.
I am so often right there with the Psalmist who cries: Open my eyes and unstop my ears! (Psalm 119:17-19) And please give me lens and a hearing aid!
Help me, Lord, to
- Know that I am not in charge, You are. (Psalm 50)
- Think through the conflicting news, and understand the times. (Psalm 31)
- Serve, love and pray for those with whom I disagree, remembering You washed Judas’ feet. (Matthew 5:43-48)
And hang on to me, LORD, because in these times, my grip isn’t as strong some days.
Making a psalm personal:
4 When darkness overtakes [me], light will come bursting in. He is kind and merciful— 5 and all goes well for the generous [woman] who conducts [her] business fairly. 6 [I] will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of [me] will make a deep impression on all who see it. 7 [I do] not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For [I have] settled in [my] mind that Jehovah will take care of [me—and thee!]. 8 That is why [I am] not afraid but can calmly face [my] foes . . . ( Psalm 112:4-9)
If you are grateful and worried too, you might like to sing with me Jesus King of Angels.
It’s never too early to celebrate the Child who Is the Light.
Last week’s worry pills
Barbara, I loved, loved, loved today’s Autumn’s Garden, especially the 3-pt prayer and the personalizing of Ps. 112. So Good. So helpful. Planning to share it with my Psalms study group, which began in June and just ended this week. Blessings to you and Doug — thankful you’re still on this earth for the purpose of building up the Body with your love for beauty, the Lord, and His Word, and your wit and skill as a word smith. LL
Hello friend! Well, I’ve gained much from you, too. Thank you for your kind words!