Pandemic Weariness

 Pandemic Weariness 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

 as working for the Lord, not for men,

 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

 (Colossus 3:23-27, NIV) 

            All days are not created equal. There are days that we are full of boundless energy and others when we are as flat as pancakes. However, these feelings are mental, physical, and emotional states. They do not affect our hearts, just on our performance or output. Certainly, our 2020 has been one of stress and often fatigue. Pandemic Weariness is probably not in the medical journals, but it is a reality.          As a long-term weekend athlete, I try to compare this to a long race, marathon or triathlon. There is no comparison, they are voluntary and have a measured end! When a race ends, recovery begins and there are very few long-term effects. We need to pray that the same is true of COVID.           

We did not enter this race, it found us. We are in it and hopefully rounding the final corner. As we move forward into recovery we need to “…  work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,” (Colossus 3:23-27) and we will be rewarded. with a belief in yourself and the Lord. The rest will follow. 

Thought for Today: Today let us remember that “All days are not created equal”. On the day that we want to go back to bed, let us trust our hearts and move out. Let us take the leap of faith and give ourselves the chance to be a positive force in a world of Pandemic Weariness. 

Prayer for Today: Dear Lord we give you thanks for your ongoing presence in our lives. We are physically and mentally weary from COVID. We pray that you recharge our spirits, and we thank you for always being with us.

Amen

 

Confidence

Confidence 

 “For you are my hope;

O Lord God, you are my trust…

And the source of my confidence.”

(Psalm 71:5)                

            The Psalmist above gives a strong message a new year; we can develop confidence and trust through faith. Our news sources all seem to sell negativity to increase ratings. They think focusing on the negative is the way to sell their time. That is not an excellent service to the world. It is good to be aware of the news, even when negative. Reading the good news of Jesus to balance the books can and will overcome all the news media’s negativity. 

                This Psalmist also said:

“But as for me, I will always have hope.”

(Psalm 72-14)

and

“You will increase my honor

And comfort me once again.”

(Psalm 71-21)               

Through the good news of Jesus Christ, we will all have a better life and live in a better world. 

Thought for Today: Grow in confidence and share our good news. 

Prayer for Today:  Dear Lord and Father, we pray for the spiritual maturity and growth to be better at being a disciple and worker for You. We pray that we may find a clear vision of what we can do.

Amen

 

 

Persistence

 Persistence

"Then Jesus told his disciples... that they should always pray and not give up."

(Luke 18:1)

 Bob Dylan's lyrics said, "Times, they are a-changing…" and maybe not for the better. One of life's constants is change. It is like an endurance event or marathon. There will be ups and downs along the way that necessitates keeping our eyes on the prize. It takes persistence to get to the end. We need to "…always pray and not give up." 

There is a long year ahead, and there will be changes and some stresses; COVID, careers, financial, health, to name a few.

The holiday season is a period of stressful joy due to all the activities. January is when reality comes to the forefront, starting an annual endurance event called the year.

                 

Dr. Benjamin Mays wrote the poem "God's Minute."                                                               

                                                                I have only just a minute.

                                                                Only sixty seconds in it.

                                                                Forced upon me, can't refuse it.

                                                                Didn't seek it, didn't choose it.

                                                                But it’s up to me to use it,                                                 

                                                                I must suffer if I lose it,

                                                                Give account if I abuse it,

                                                                Just a tiny little minute,

                                                                    But eternity is in it!

 

Mays had it correct, but we need to think about a whole year.  

Thought for Today: Today, let us pray for people in need, dealing with challenging life issues: COVID, family stress, financial stress, or others. As charity begins at home, it is a given that prayer also does. Have a great day. 

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, today we pray for smooth sailing through the rough seas of life. We pray for ourselves and others who are in need. We pray that we will do better and seek a way to do your will here on earth.