Today, is day two of our schools being closed across the nation. We are out of school, because it is our normal Spring Break. That said the kids feel ripped off somewhat and we are all feeling a little trapped due to so many things being closed until further notice.
Personally, I like it when things are organized, when there are clear established routines and life makes sense. That is not happening for anyone right now. There is a lot of uncertainty and we are all experiencing constant change right now and it is okay to say, “I am feeling overwhelmed by it all.”
After we have said these words what’s our next move?
What can the follower of Christ do at this time?
In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans he wrote the following;
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul saw that it is the Christian’s responsibility to serve as a witness to the world about the hope we have in God’s power and that we can experience joy and peace no matter what happens in this life.
This is not some kind of fake peace that we wish for or a false joy that feels like forced happiness. It is a God sized peace in the midst of the chaos that restores hope.
It is okay to feel weak, tired, afraid or even overwhelmed. When we do feel this way we can choose to pray.
Here is my prayer today.
God,
Pour out you Holy Spirit on us that we may experience your divine peace and joy that shatter the fear and blind out the darkness with your eternal light. Fill us with hope in you and have mercy on us.
AMEN.
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 