Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 2, 2020
Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me. Psalm 70:1
This time of year, many Christians around the world observe the season of Lent, a 40-day period of intentional preparation for Easter, journeying with our Lord into the wilderness of repentance and fasting as we are made ready for the joys of new life and resurrection. In ways that none of us could have anticipated, the past few weeks have undoubtedly taken on a “Lenten” spirit, whether you formally observe the season or not! We have all had to wrestle through wilderness realities: sickness and even death brought on by a global pandemic, very real economic loss and difficulty, not to mention the generalized anxiety and fear that threatens to steal our joy. Yet we believe and cling to the hope that God is at work in this time of fear and confusion, and that this death will give way to a birth. God is working for our good, right here, right now.
Earlier this week, my 4-year-old nephew spoke to this in a beautiful way, as only children are able to do, asking his mom a seemingly simple question: “Mom, what’s God working on for Lent?” It struck me deeply when my sister-in-law shared this with our family. Though I hadn’t previously had the words to say, this question seemed to speak to much of what had been swirling around in my heart and mind all week. “God, what are you doing and when will you lead us from the wilderness into the promised land?”
Though it pains me to say it, every indicator seems to point to this being an extended and deeply painful season of human suffering and loss. I have found myself reading the Psalms through an entirely different lens, newly able to enter into their cries for God to intervene and act, to move swiftly in bringing justice, peace, and healing to the earth. You and I cannot control the outcome of this pandemic. And while we may have plenty of ideas on what should or shouldn’t be done, our spheres of influence are actually remarkably small. And so, my challenge to you today is to focus your time, emotions, care, and affection where it matters most.
Who are the people that most need you to be present, physically and emotionally, this week? How are you intentionally resisting a temptation towards anxiety, scarcity, or fear? Are you instead rooting yourself in the peace of Christ so that you can be a blessing and source of comfort to others in these uncertain times?
If you haven’t already done so, over the coming days and weeks each one of us will have to intentionally choose a new rhythm of life with the Lord, a new pattern of worship, prayer, and Scripture reading. Let’s do this together as the family of God! Press into the places and cherished people where you can regularly give and receive love.
God is with us in the wilderness, and he will lead us into places of peace and rest.
Prayer
Father, in our wilderness wandering be to us a source of unspeakable hope and peace, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
What does it look like for you to be intentional and proactive in creating a daily rhythm of life with God, especially in these uncertain times?
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 18:2; Isaiah 25:4
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We believe and cling to the hope that God is at work in this time of fear and confusion, and that this death will give way to a birth. #God #WisdomHunters #truth #Jesus
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