Help in Weakness

Fear - it seems to grip us when we least expect it and have a hold on us that won't let go.  

Fear - stops us from moving forward towards action, immobilizing us.

Fear - can foster irrational actions and sadness

These past few days I am sure all of us have heard too much to comprehend, seen too much to comprehend, and feel too much to comprehend.  As I try to write words today, I don't know where to start.  The fear of the coronavirus has overtaken our world.  What was important has moved to the side.  What was critical is no longer a focus.   The fear that a family member or friend may succumb to the virus can bring us to our knees.  Although strong, we now feel weak.

It is times like these that I sit and stare out my window, wondering what to do next?  My first reaction is to gather my family and cook. It seems to work for all of us.  That is what we did today.  We gathered around the table and broke bread together.  It felt right.

Yet, I still feel weak among the magnitude of all that is going on in our world.  I'm not even sure what to pray for, how to pray, where to begin.  In walks the ever-present Holy Spirit!  God knew we were going to have times like these - times in our lives when we just don't know the words to search for.  These are the times we need to be with our Father.  Just be in His presence, the presence of the Holy Spirit.  He is there for us.  

     He knows the fears that we have and will not let go of us.

     He knows that we can't move, and mobilizes us into action.

     He knows our sadness and breathes hope into our souls.

God is there for us in our times of weakness, our times of fear, our times of being lost.  Through the Holy Spirit, the prayers of our hearts, our minds, and our souls are heard by God.  When we lose the words, we need not worry.  God still hears us.  Our hope is great in God!  Our weakness and fear take a backseat to God's love and grace.  Through God, all things are possible.  

We need to do our part.  We need to practice healthy hygiene.  We need to be smart and practice social distancing.  We need to bow our heads.  We need to be with God.  Many of our churches have stopped services.  That's okay!  God is with us and we are with Him.  Let us be comforted that our God hears us ALWAYS and is with us ALWAYS.  I pray for all of you and your families.  May we remember to love our neighbors and treat all people with respect - this is when we can do our best to live our Jesus' love!  

Heavenly Father, these can be scary times.  It is in these times that we can feel weak and powerless, not even knowing what to pray.  Yet, we know that you are with us God.  May the Holy Spirit wrap us in His arms and protect us.  May your love reign down on us.  May our weakness turn to strength.  In your gracious and healing name we pray.  Amen!