“Shelter in place.” “Lock down.” “National Emergency.” “The worst should be past us by June or July.”
These are crazy times we’re living in, aren’t they? And it would be easy to give into the sense of panic rising around us. But those who are clothed with Christ know better. He is our security and our firm anchor always. Always.
When theologian Martin Luther was faced with the bubonic plague in the 16th century, he penned these wise words that can help inform the way we approach the coming weeks and months:
You ought to think this way: “Very well, by God’s decree, the enemy has sent us poison and deadly offal. Therefore, I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what He has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person, but will go freely.'”
Yes, we need to be vigilant. And prudent. And take precautions, both for ourselves and others. But we will not fear because we know the Author of Life and our lives are hidden in him.
As our sweet Robin (love you, lady!) often says, “Nothing touches my life that doesn’t first filter through the loving hands of my heavenly father.” Period.
I love what Chuck Swindoll says. . .
God never leans over the balcony of heaven and gasps.”
God is El Roi. The God who sees. He saw Hagar in the desert due to circumstances not of her doing. And he sees you and me. Always.
He’s seen this virus coming since the beginning of time. Just as he saw (and allowed, since he is sovereign) the deadly bubonic plague of the 16th century, which Martin Luther endured, and the Spanish Flu of 1918-20 when millions also died.
God is in control.
So let’s use this opportunity of “sheltering in place” to grow closer to him and encourage others to do the same. Let’s read the Word together. Post Scripture on social media (after all, it’s the Living Word and never returns void, God promises us that). Watch THE CHOSEN. (I told you about that here a couple of weeks ago, and oh, if you haven’t seen it yet, please do—and pass it along.) Play games together. Have conversations about the Eternal. And Eternity. (Joe and I are doing all these things.)
What are your thoughts today? How are you and your loved ones preparing to deal with coming weeks? To deal with today? Again, not in panic or fear, but in prudence and complete trust in Jesus.
And if you have a specific prayer request, please post that, too, and let’s crowd close together at the foot of the cross while lifting up the Savior of the world!
In Christ alone,
Tammy
Tamera Alexander
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Excellent post, Tammy. We can use this time as a spiritual retreat. As one of the older “at risk” citizens, I’m getting a lot of writing done, as well as tackling projects I tend to put off “until I have more time”. God is sovereign and I trust HIM. Proverbs 3:5-6 is my life verse. It’s wise to check the news, and then TURN IT OFF. God is teaching us many lessons during this time of sheltering. As for Rick and me and our house, we’re praying this crisis in an instrument that brings revival.
Amen all around on that counsel, Frani, and we’re praying the same. That the name of Jesus will be lifted high and that God the Father will draw all mankind to him. Love you dearly and appreciate your example of walking by faith.
I am one of the older ones and as of Tuesday I am trying to stay away from others and stay home. This will give me more time to read. I am trusting God to see us through this time. He will not give us more than we can endure. Everything may not go the way we want but He knows best. Love reading your books. God Bless You as you continue to write.
Bless you, Emogene, for sharing today. I love that we have the technology we have today that we can still stay connected—even as we follow our government’s encouragement to stay at home and limit gatherings. I’m praying for you right now, that you’ll experience an extra sense of God’s presence with you during this time and that fear will find no foothold among any of us. As a friend of mine said recently, “I’m not at all concerned about ‘ending.’ I’m concerned about ‘ending well.’ LORD, rule and reign and work your will, and give us all the strength and wisdom to live for you…until you take us (or call us all!) home.
Psalm 46 blessed me this morning and reminded me that God IS our shelter.
“God is our shelter and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.
2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken
and mountains fall into the ocean depths;
3 even if the seas roar and rage,
and the hills are shaken by the violence.
4 There is a river that brings joy to the city of God,
to the sacred house of the Most High.
5 God is in that city, and it will never be destroyed;
at early dawn he will come to its aid.
6 Nations are terrified, kingdoms are shaken;
God thunders, and the earth dissolves.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge.
8 Come and see what the Lord has done.
See what amazing things he has done on earth.
9 He stops wars all over the world;
he breaks bows, destroys spears,
and sets shields on fire.
10 “Stop fighting,” he says, “and know that I am God,
supreme among the nations,
supreme over the world.”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. ”
~Good News Translation (GNT)
Oh so good. Thank you for that, Deb. Sanitized cyber hugs to you, friend.
Thank you for this post.❤️
Life is a bit crazy now… But no, I haven’t any panic fear from coronavirus – or better – from death. I am careful, but I haven´ t fear. I live in The Czech Republic ( Central Europe )… I am glad, that my town has ,, only ´´10 000 inhabitants… Since The New Year, I was in Brno ( + – 380 000 inhabitants ) three or four days every week. I had courses ´´ about ,, sewing patterns´´ = their making, working with them…
Two years ago, I entered in the magical world of the Napoleonic reenactment and since that time, I have many plans and I attend many histrical events. I love sewing, I love meet new people with the same interest in history… Now – all my plans for spring and summer are broken… But I am not sad. I believe God. ( even thanks to your books ❤️ )For me – there isn’t any other way through all suffering, than trust in Jesus. It doesn’t matter, what will come. Jesus is still the same.❤️
Now, I am with my family. I educate myself… I read a lot 🙂 … Since The New Year I hadn´ t time for it…
Take care of yourself!
Blessings to you, Blanka, and love in the Lord. He is our strength and strong tower. We run to him in times of trouble and find help. Always. Praying for you.
Wonderful blog!
Much love to you, Joan!
Thank you Tamera,
What sweet encouragement! I love what you said, (Yes, we need to be vigilant. And prudent. And take precautions, both for ourselves and others. But we will not fear because we know the Author of Life and our lives are hidden in him.)
As I prepared my home and heart to stay close to home for at least a week and now maybe two, I had to remind myself that I was not acting fearful, but being prudent. I’ve checked on several friends and I’ve had time to tackle the projects I put off and pray, pray, pray. I am grateful for your words of encouragement. God bless you.
Bless you in return, Vickie. Grateful we’re in this together.
I appreciate this post – out of all the posts we read these days, we need more of these. Thanks for the gentle reminder to trust in God.
As for here, we’re very near the San Fran bay Area in CA. but outside those specific counties. I am predicting that our county will soon be locked down as well, if not many others. It’s only a matter of time. I’m hoping things improve and plan to use the extra study time to read the bible, play guitar, and fix up my backyard 🙂
Praying for you, Sara Beth, for strength and focus and full reliance on the Lord. Same as I’m praying for myself. Hugs from TN.
Found this gem in my 1943 Service Prayer Book – a prayer for epidemics. Due to the collapse of many governments during WW2, highly infectious diseases ran rampant in all theaters of war, killing thousands. Hoping it’s ok to share some history:
“O almighty God, we implore Thy help in this our great need. Pardon the ignorance and neglect of Thy laws which may have brought it upon us, and inspire us to mend our ways. Guide those who are studying to prevent, as well as cure such ills; and if it be Thy good will, assuage its virulence, and grant that we may learn to seek more diligently to do Thy bidding, and to live in truer dependence upon Thee who art our Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.”
Thank you so much for sharing that, Janice. Precious words and so applicable for today. Peace and strength, my friend.
This is SO, SO beautiful❤️Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks for sharing today, Melissa!
A wonderful email Tamera! I too believe God has a plan and there’s nothing that can harm us unless it goes through Him. And if our time on earth is thru He will find us. I also believe He gives us sense enough to take every precaution.
We are fine so far and we have plenty of food and paper products to last us at least 2 months. But I do have a 84 yr old mother and a husband that has been fighting cancer for 9 yrs. He has been on chemo for all but 6 months of that. So I would appreciate prayers for them both. So thankful you and yours are well. I’m praying for our whole nation.
Amen and amen, Brenda. I’m praying for your mom and your husband, especially with all else going on around you all. Lord, comfort and strengthen. Guard and protect, please. Help us to glorify your name at every turn. Much love to you, friend.