I looked at one of my friends the other day and said,
“You know what? I’m just tired.”
She knew exactly what I meant.
It’s the Covid-19 Pandemic. I’m tired of hearing about it. Tired of my life being changed because of it. Tired of people being inconsiderate and mean to each other. Tired of it all. But I’m mainly tired of looking around and seeing that so many of us are picking sides, hoarding, and being careless with each other. For something that should be inspiring us to band together, we are more divisive than ever.
It’s not like we don’t have other issues. Job loss, lack of secure housing, and hunger were here before the pandemic and now these issues are worse because of it. I can’t get into all of it here. But my friend made one statement to me.
“You can’t get tired.”
Of course, she’s right. I don’t have the luxury of being tired. Of not praying for my family, my loved ones, my community, and my country. I don’t have the right to give up hope. I must press in closer to Christ, and so do you. And I don’t mean press in to what passes for religion today. I mean press in to the True Source of power. To Christ. To the Holy Spirit.
You know we’ve heard it all. “This too, shall pass.” “God doesn’t give us more than we can bear.”
But when the season hasn’t passed yet, and the burden is still on our shoulders, we must lean in on a power stronger than our own. Nobody seems to want to speak about what to do in the meantime, do they?
It’s hard work getting through this. It’s painful. We see and experience tragic and hateful things. I even found myself asking the Lord why He loves us so much. I mean, look at us. We’re a mess!
Start with yourself. Take a deep breath. Pray for yourself first. If you don’t know how, just imagine you are having a conversation with a trusted friend. Because you are. He knows you already-even your weaknesses- and He loves you just the same. You are one of His favorites after all.
If you don’t like how you feel, tell Him. If you don’t know what to do about it, ask Him. If you are angry about it, He knows already. Turn that anger into energy and make a positive change. Keep at it.
Then begin to pray for family. Pray for friends and loved ones. Pray for people around you. If you don’t know how, just say their names. God will do the rest. Pray for folks you don’t like. Yeah, do that too. Especially that. That’s what’s so amazing. We don’t have to know how; we just need to have the desire to start.
Sometimes all we’re able to hold on to are our words. We want to help but we don’t know how. We feel helpless. There is power in our words, though. Especially when we speak them to God.
I think some of the anger and frustration people are feeling is because they are fearful. The future is not clear, it’s uncertain. There are unequal burdens placed on many folks right now. Regardless of race or creed. God knows we should all try being more sympathetic to those we don’t necessarily agree with.
I still believe God sit on His throne and sees every tear shed. I still believe that He loves us. I still believe that He hears our prayers and when we can do nothing else, we can pray.
Heavenly Father,
In the name of your Son, Jesus, I come to you knowing that you have all the power of creation in your hands. I know that in your power you have continued to show mercy to us, and I thank you.
I ask that you bless each person reading this post and continue to give them strength.
I ask that you provide provisions for them, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional. Meet them where they are.
Father, please put your hedge of protection around them and give them peace.
Continue to heal our bodies and give us your strength. Help us to remember that you have given us a measure of your power through the Holy Spirit. Give us confidence in that knowledge. Allow us to be a testimony.
Let your will be done.
Amen.
Blessings,
Sharon
Faithfully Fit 