The first casualties of upheaval can be love, kindness, and patience. But crisis is also a moment when love for God & one another can spring up. For 150 days, starting on 17th March 2020, I will write 300 words based on one of the 150 psalms in the bible. How can I find and give love in the midst of coronavirus?
Three things. Three things that speak. Three things that we need right now. Psalm 19 divides into 3 parts – and each part is so relevant now. Hear what it says:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. 3 They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. 4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
This is the first thing. These last 2 weeks where I live, we’ve had a lot of clear skies at night. As I’ve stepped outside I’ve looked up and seen so many stars – and each time it says to me “God is here, He’s not anxious, He sits above all our anxiety, He sees everything, He is not shaken.”. Look up at the stars, at the clouds, at the sun – and remember that they speak of God. Psalm 19 continues:
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
This is the second. The law of the Lord – God’s word. It speaks into our hearts and sitautions. We need it now more than ever. In uncertainty, we need to hear God’s voice so much. The more I read His word, the more it speaks to me, and my heart is calmed. Read it, listen to it, allow God’s word to speak to your heart and mind.
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
The psalm finishes with a prayer. I am asking God to change me, to change my heart, my attitudes. In this upheaval, can my heart learn patience, learn grace, drop judgment and learn how to love & worship more?
Have a blessed day. Love Matt