And he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge, the fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure. Isaiah 33:6 ESV
How we need his stability during these times. So many things we thought we could count on–has changed. We thought we had our budgets figured out–and then gas prices started to rise, food prices started to go up, and that which was “stable” changed. People plan flights months ago, planning to leave on a certain day and discover the airline cancelled thousands of flights! Cancelled flights bring uncertainty on so many levels–some inconvenient, some life altering. I’ve heard stories of people not making it to their loved ones deathbed; missing babies births; or job opportunities. As an industry, we expect it to be stable and consistent, but somehow it has changed. It seems to be the sign of the times. What’s next, we wonder?
These things reveal where we are standing. On the rock of his stability and trust, or on our own strength and ideas. I remember living through a gas crisis in the 70’s; we made it! I remember the price of coffee going up (my comfort!) and wondering how to make it stretch or substituting it for coffee and chicory. But we made it. How did we make it? By choosing to ask for his wisdom, insight and continuing to give, tithe, help others and not make it bigger than it was. I learned to trust and rejoice in the God who provided for each day, not worrying about the next. Those situations (as minor as they were in the scheme of things, were God’s school in teaching us actual trust lessons. He is the best teacher we could ever have.
I learned more lessons this week. I tested positive for Covid on Sunday, complete with symptoms. It started with the worse headache, chills, nausea and fatigue I have experienced. The nasal stuff (sneezing and congestion) and coughing took a back seat to the headache and chills that first night. I was disoriented and wobbly on my feet, as I tried to navigate bathroom trips etc. For the first time in my life, I felt physically vulnerable and weak for living alone. It was hard, being alone, to keep my mind staying on his love and care. I knew I wasn’t in any life-threatening danger, but emotionally it was so hard. Looking back, I think the not knowing the source of the problem, plus being at night only made things worse. We had just finished four days of Kids Camp, so I was physically tired already. As I kept re-assessing my situation inside my own head, I knew Jesus was with me. I could feel him stabilizing my emotions with his peace, and yet there was fear, subtly trying to sneak in. Finally, I said, “Lord, we will get through this. It may not be pretty, but that is ok.” I kept praying and waiting for daylight and the clock to progress so I could touch base with my children. I had texted them the night before that I didn’t feel well. But I didn’t want to bother them in the night (because I am a mom!)
Before I could reach out, my son showed up! He wanted to check on me, to see how I was doing. They thought I may have had heat exhaustion or something like that from being out in the sun with the kids. He cleaned up my messes, fed me some scrambled eggs, started laundry and bought me some Gatorade etc. He was our family hero that day! I am so grateful for him. Gradually the symptoms are dissipating, and I just have congestion and fatigue. Turns out my daughter and her family are waging the Covid war as well. At least we can compare symptoms and stages!
It hasn’t been “fun”, but I have a great group of friends and family who are praying and checking in on me. One way God brings stability to our lives, is through the help of others. Many offers of help and encouragement came. I am so grateful for each one. As I improve, I can see how the Lord has been the stability of my times. I know he has been intervening and answering prayer. Truly he is my rock during this unstable time.
You know, I think, the Lord is helping us get to standing just on him. Each of these extra planks (like food prices, gas prices or even the airline industry) have been wonderful to have in place, but they are not our stable place. That stable place is our Rock. He is immovable, unshakeable and does not waver. Peter was unstable as he walked on the water when he took his eyes off of the Lord and put them on the waves. Let us go to the rock, that is always higher than we are.
Father, like David we pray, Lead us to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2). We choose to climb higher above the concerns of this world and choose to trust in you no matter what. My illness shall pass, but others are facing more difficult things and we ask you to comfort them. Show them the path to the higher, safe place with you. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 