Daily Devotions this week are being provided by our St. John’s Certified Lay Ministers. Today’s devotion is from Joe Marshall.
WAITING
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”.
Our life this day is not the same as it was just a few short weeks ago. Quickly we were asked to make drastic changes to our routines and we did. And we wait…we wait because we do not know how long this new way of living is going to last.
My wife and I are both still working, but we know that is not the case for everyone. Also, we do not have children at home so we are not faced with the challenges of “what to do today?” We are all watching a lot more TV and finding creative ways to occupy our time.
Chores and “honey do” list are getting completed finally. Freezers and closets are getting organized. Garages are finally getting rid of clutter and are homes are being deep cleaned. But still we wonder and we wait.
While waiting we will follow the rules. Wash our hands, shield our cough, stay at home if we are sick. Stay away from others and if we have to go out we will do so cautiously and practice social distancing.
How is your soul? Is it well? I hope you are spending time with the One who loves you and is crazy about you. God reminds us over and over again throughout scripture that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Yes - God is with us in this crisis. God is weeping with us. He wants us to cast our cares and worries on Him. Go ahead - give it over to Him and let Him take it.
Open your Bibles and search. Search for the voice of God to speak to you through scriptures. Listen as God speaks. Hear as He whispers “You are my child. I love you. You matter.”
What are some meditation disciplines that you are trying? Are you watching online messages? Journaling? Taking long walks? Listening to music? What else? Share your ideas here so as to help others seek God and to remain hopeful.
One thing that I do and I invite you to do as well is write affirmations. Write a one liner the same thing over and over again until you fill up a page. It can be anything that you want. Anything positive to bring you hope. Then flip the page over and write 10 things that you are most grateful for. Do this everyday. You might write the same thing or you might change it up but do it everyday to remind you of WHOSE YOU ARE AND WHO YOU BELONG TO!!! You are a Child Of God.
-- Joe Marshall
