Everyone all across the globe is being forced to live with loss, fear, anger, frustration, chaos, instability, the loss of something in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tensions are high, nerves are shot, parents are frustrated, kids are confused, elderly and high-risk folks are lonely, the ill are fighting for the life while in isolation, relationships are strained, businesses are struggling, families are in anguish, and tears are shed daily. Put simply, the world has been thrust into a spinning nightmare full of a myriad of unwanted emotions and circumstances. But how should we as Christians respond to this turmoil? A bit of wisdom from the classic series, Lord of The Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkein, ought to be read with great consideration and value nowadays, "'I wish it need not have happened in my time,' said Frodo. 'So do I,' said Galdalf, 'as do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'" This quote aligns well with Biblical principles given to us as Christians. We are to be the salt and light to the earth, shining the glory of Christ.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." ~Matthew 5:16
If the body of Christ were ever to shine the hope of Christ and put on display power of our God, the time is now, when everything has fallen dark under a blanket of despair and sorrow, as people are riddled with anxiety, pain, sickness, and frustration. We as Christians are not exempt from these challenges, but we are granted the opportunity to use these challenges to point others away from the false hopes this world has to offer, and point them to the Rock of salvation who is our Savior Jesus Christ, by living our lives so that when others ask us why we are joyful we can promptly and eagerly give an answer and lead others to this hope.
"Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." ~ 1 Peter 3:15
Are you living your life so that others will ask what the reason is for the hope that is in you? Or are you falling prey to the world "woe is me" mentality? It's a choice we must make moment by moment, the Holy Spirit must guide our actions and responses to the occurrences in life, and we must listen and obey His guidance. I hope the poem I wrote below, which is built upon the following Scriptures: Psalm 50:15, 1 Corinthians 4:9, Hebrews 12:1-3, and Romans 12:2, helps encourage you to reflect on and carefully choose your daily responses and reactions in life, no matter the circumstances.
"And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” ~ Psalm 50:15
"For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men." ~ 1 Corinthians 4:9
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." ~ Hebrews 12:1-3
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." ~ Romans 12:2
Let us work daily to show our audience the godly character qualities of patience, kindness, courage, generosity, wisdom, contentment, love, gratitude, discipline, other-centeredness, self-control, joy, gentleness, faithfulness, humility, compassion, and endurance, and also spur each other in these same qualities as we all strive to finish the race of our ephemeral lives.
Life's Response
When suffering strikes our tender heart
And things we hold near and dear depart
When heavy grief removes all our clarity
And restless thoughts result in insanity
When hot tears flow down our anguished face
And blur our ability to anticipate the next day
When we are drowning in deepest sorrows
And we lose all strength to meet tomorrow
Will we turn and walk away
From the One who gave His life?
Or will we bend our knee in prayer
And ask the Lord to help us fight?
Will we still lift a song of worship
And find Christ’s joy when we arise?
With anticipation, hosts of angels and demons look on
Christ’s name we must glorify
With hope, the Father waits to see how we will respond
Christ’s grace we must magnify
With intrigue, the world observes to see what we rely on
Christ’s power we must testify
When trapped in a chasm of affliction
And bitterness is an easy temptation
When we cry what seems to be our last tear
And are overcome by many entangling fears
When the future’s unknown engulfs us with gloom
And we lie awake and alone in the darkest room
When we are thrust into a scathing fire
And we confront situations that are dire
Will we turn and walk away
From the One who gave His life?
Or will we bend our knee in prayer
And ask the Lord to help us fight?
Will we still lift a song of worship
And find Christ’s joy when we arise?
Christ’s name we must glorify!
Christ’s power we must testify!
Christ’s grace we must magnify!
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