I’m Listening, Lord

We’re all a little dumbstruck at the prospect of staying home in “self-isolation,” as they’re calling it. Why is this so hard? Surely many of us used to stay home for an entire day sometimes. But there’s something panic-inducing about being required to stay at home. 

Is it possible that there’s a silver lining to social distancing? Is this a blessing, this gift of time? So, the million dollar question is: What would you do with dozens of days at home with your family and the comforts of home? 

Would you finally learn that foreign language? Or read that stack of books that’s been sitting next to your bed for six months? Or look your kids in the eyes and actually (try to) listen when they tell you all about Fortnite? What about playing a game of Fortnite with them? Maybe learn to bake bread? Or repair a bicycle?

This is our chance! God has slowed down the world for us. Beloved, breathe. Be still. I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

More than any foreign language or top 100 book lists, or even more than Fortnite with the kids, this is our God-given opportunity to refocus.

As the world seems to fall apart around us, whether it’s the whole world struggling to deal with a pandemic, or just your own world when hard times hit, God says, Slow down, take a breath; I am here.

Slow down, take a breath; I am here.

Instead of filling my day with mindless scrolling, and scary headlines, I want to fill my head and my heart with God. I want to take this gift of self-isolation and use it to take a breath and see what God has to teach me. He’s been trying to get my attention for months, as I run from errands to play dates to lunches with friends. But he has my attention now.

I’m sitting at your feet, Lord. I’m listening.

Things to Think About:

• How will you take time to connect with God during this quarantine? (Read a blog/book, journal, read a book to the kids, start a new Bible study, listen to a worship playlist, pray after lunch…)
  
• Some of us are more busy than ever! What steps can we take not to miss this opportunity to be still before God?
  
• What do you think God is saying to you? Is there a verse or a wise thought that keeps coming to mind?