Give Thanks in All Things - even in quarantine.
This week as part of my daily devotion, I have intentionally taken time to pause and count some of my blessings. And it’s been amazing how God transforms my perspective, as I begin to seek His perspective. Frustration around the kids not being in school, is now seen as an opportunity to spend some additional family time together. The empty church sanctuary (something I lamented about last week) affords me the opportunity to pursue some renovations and updating to that worship space. The disappointment of not holding worship on Sunday, is now an opportunity to find new ways to connect with my congregation, like this blog or through the posting of videos on our new website!
Counting your blessings is really important as we live in days of self-quarantine and social
distancing. See, it’s tempting for us to dwell on the uncertainty of the current pandemic and to lose ourselves in the accompanying fear, frustration and anxiety of the situation. It’s tempting to shift our focus from the things of God, to the things going on all around us. But friends, when the storm is raging, we ought not look away because that’s the very time we must look to Jesus.
Psalm 62:5-8 (NLT) says:
“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”
Before we cancelled our programming, the songsters and singing company were working on a new song for the Easter Season. I hope that we will be able to share it with you when our church life returns to pre-Covid routine. But for now, I would share the words with you from Bethel Music. I pray that this would be the personal anthem of each member at Edmonton Temple during these days. They say:
Goodness of God
I love You Lord Oh Your mercy never fails me All my days I’ve been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God Chorus: All my life You have been faithful All my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God
This week, make time to thank God. Do it during a meal with your family. Take turns naming things that you are thankful for rather than talking about the latest news. There is a time and place for the news - but let’s make sure that we make time to give thanks in all things - even in quarentine.
Many Blessings,
Fred