Communion in Chaos

“The one who joins himself to the Lord is mingled into one spirit with him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17 TPT)

Jane is a dog breeder whom I know. Along with all the turmoil of a global pandemic, she has a bit extra on her plate. Her dog had a litter of puppies. For the next eight weeks, she will care for the mama dog and the fragile puppies. She accepts the sleepless nights, the backaches, and the clutter without complaint. Her to-do list is long and time sensitive; yet, she has learned to pray and trust in the midst of the mess. She has a family and other dogs that need attention, too. She says her heart is enlarged by all the loving. In a few months, the puppies will be sent to new homes. Jane is careful about matching each puppy to the right humans. She realizes that she is not in control of the future--no matter how much effort she applies. Jane sees the puppies as gifts from God. She depends on God to guide and strengthen her during this time. She has discovered that prayer and trust are essential, especially in the chaos of life. 

In this time of uncertainty, most of us are experiencing some level of disruption.  Like a litter of puppies, a new set of concerns have popped up in our lives. Our routines have been upended, plans have been postponed, and the future feels murky. We still have to handle our regular responsibilities too. In the middle of chaos, communing with God may seem difficult, but it is essential. We can’t wait for things to settle down. We must learn to pray and trust in the midst of the mess. We are not in control no matter how much effort we apply. We can depend on divine guidance and strength. God is present in the chaos, willing and eager to commune with those who seek Him earnestly. 

“Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 TPT)

Community in Isolation

“Make every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit has already created, with peace binding you together.” (Ephesians 4:3 VOICE)

What makes a community? Is it common geography, ancestry, physical characteristics, nationality, interests, language, etc.? Can a community exist without a group of people gathering physically in one location? Is in-person mingling better than remote socializing?  

In times of isolation and quarantine, many of our social paradigms are being challenged. As sporting events, schools, workplaces, playgrounds, gyms, malls, churches, restaurants, entertainment venues, and other public gathering spaces are restricted, we are having to rethink how we come together as a society. Without in-person contact, what will hold us together?

Community has always been about commonality in philosophy and purpose. Getting together as a group in one location can be enjoyable and enriching but not essential. Consistency, availability, compassion, communication, and dependability are far more important. A group that is willing to put the welfare of others above individual needs leads to solidarity. A community is unified in spirit and bound by love, mutual respect, and peace.

Peace of Trust

“He rebuked the storm and shouted to the sea, ‘Hush! Calm down!’ All at once the wind stopped howling and the water became perfectly calm. Then he turned to his disciples and said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?’” (Mark 4:39-40 TPT)

The surface of the sea is easily whipped up by storms, wind, tides, currents, and even the wake of large ships. However, the bottom of the ocean is always calm. The seafloor is closer to the earth’s core. The influence of gravity is minimal. Superficial turbulence has no effect on deep water.

Jesus calmed the surface of the sea. Then he turned to his followers and said: “Why are you so afraid? Haven’t you learned to trust yet?” 

Peace is not the absence of stress but the calmness of deep consciousness. The pressures and concerns of this world have less impact on those who are centered in Christ. Trust deactivates fear. As we settle down into the immensity of God, serenity washes over us. Anxiety, confusion, and agitation disappear. Instead, we are drenched in clarity, tranquility, and stillness. The peace of trust guides our hearts as we immerse ourselves in the power of God. 

Heart Hunters

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)

A friend of mine recently invited me to a Facebook page called “Heart Hunters” where people post pictures of hearts they see around them. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, schools, shops, and many workplaces are closed. Only ‘essential’ movement is recommended. More and more people are walking and exercising outdoors in our rural neighborhood. Neighbors wave as they pass by homes. As a way of cheering each other up, people have started putting up hearts on their windows as symbols of hope and love. As I do my daily runs, I keep my eyes open for hearts now. Now that I am intentionally looking for them, I spot them everywhere. Every time I see one, I stop and take a picture. This lifts up my spirits. I have also cut out paper hearts and pasted them on my windows for those who are walking by my home. Heart-hunting has become an inspirational activity during these difficult times. 

Here is another even more uplifting activity: God-hunting. When we search for God intently, we find signs of His grace everywhere. With the eyes of your minds, steadfastly scan for the Spirit. Learn to spot God’s mercy, kindness, insights, directions, answers, promises, and peace.  Keep your eyes, ears, and souls focused on His presence. Remain earnest and intense in this pursuit. Every time you spot a God-sign, stop and record it; then, joyfully point it out to others. Even in times of darkness and isolation, let your lives be a showcase for love and hope. When you look for God intently, you will find Him everywhere.

Receivers and Tuners

“Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.” (Isaiah 23:23 NIV)

Televisions, monitors, and home theater displays all look similar from the outside. However, they are not the same. Televisions have built-in digital tuners; monitors and home theater displays do not. Televisions allow you to receive free broadcast channels with an antenna. Monitors and home theater displays require external receivers. In electronic communications, the antenna picks up electromagnetic waves, the receiver extracts the information, and the tuner is adjusted to pick up specific frequencies. Each component is significant. 

We are called to receive, tune-in, and listen to God’s voice. Some of us are satisfied with displays of faith, choosing to remain insensitive. We are built for receptivity. This requires us to be still, attentive, and responsive. We need to be conscious of the spiritual realm. Discernment allows us to filter through the chaos of signals and tune-in to God’s directions. Keep searching. Stay focused. Remain sensitive. Those who listen carefully hear God’s voice. They know what to do and when to do it.

Easter

“She turned around to see Jesus standing before her, but she did not recognize Him.” (John 20:14 VOICE)

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus. She expected a sealed burial chamber, but it was open. She expected a covered, dead body, but the tomb was empty. She expected the disciples to make sense of it all and explain things to her, but they didn’t. What she did not expect was the risen Lord, speaking to her, calling her by name. Thus, she did not recognize Him. 

This happens to all of us. We expect certain things from Jesus--answered prayers, protection from evil, relationship advice, healing, meeting our daily needs, assistance in making good decisions, etc. However, we don’t really expect the Lord to show up in our lives, to speak to us, or to be close to us. Thus, we fail to recognize Jesus in our midst. Yet, He is always present--on the good days and the bad, during joy and despair, in crowds and in solitude. He is with us every day, all the time, whether we acknowledge Him or not. 

“Never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.” (Matthew 28:20 TPT)

Do Not Swerve

“The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.” (Psalm 119:110 MSG)

Motor vehicle collisions with wildlife are common in rural areas. Deer  crossing over highways are more prevalent during dawn and dusk hours. These low visibility times are also when accidents happen. When a deer leaps in front of a car, a driver’s natural instinct is to swerve to avoid hitting it. This can result in severe collisions with other cars on the road. Plus, there is no way to predict which way the deer will move. Safety experts recommend that you do not veer for deer. Instead, scan the road for wildlife during dusk and dawn. Use high beam lights if you are in a deserted area.  Make sure you and your passengers use seat belts to buckle up. If you see a deer, apply your brakes, but do not swerve. If you hit a wild animal, do not approach it. Call law enforcement. When inspecting your vehicle, do not assume all problems are visible. Check for leaking fluids and internal damage.

During transition times, when clarity is low, Evil crosses our path. Stay vigilant. Turn on the high beam lights. Scan for wickedness. There is no way to predict which way it will move, so do not veer from your path. Instead, buckle up with faith and apply your brakes when you see it approaching. If you are forced to collide with corruption, do not leave the safety of God’s protection to satisfy your curiosities. Once you are back in the light, inspect yourself for both visible and invisible damage. Constantly look to God for healing, restoration, and guidance.