For many of us, today is a workday (Monday!), or the first day of Spring Break, or the day after Easter. I’ve become disenchanted with the word Easter. This word shows up only one time in the KJV and is the Passover’s word in the original language. It’s only used one time, not in the Gospels, but Acts (Acts 12:14). For me? It’s Resurrection Sunday, the day after the Jewish Sabbath, which came after the Last Supper, Gethsemane, Trial, Scourging, and finally, the Cross. A weekend of Brokenness. Throughout the next several days, the followers of Jesus were mangled by the times.
In modern times, we have the comfort of knowing the story and its ending. But not back then! They were facing daunting fears. Sorrow. Feelings of abandonment. The times broke their hopes. Their sadness was real. Tears. Anguish. Angst. On one hand, they were like Chicken Little – “The sky is falling!” and on the other hand, they ostrich into their hiding place.
We’ve all struggled with times like this. Through the past 18 months, family deaths, pandemic, struggles through isolation, economic defeat, fear of the unknown, and pets’ loss. Don’t forget, “I never thought this season would be this strange.”
Can we survive? Why is this happening? Will I make it through? Why Me?
Here’s My Thought
Here’s my key thought with this situation.
Sometimes the first thing you need is to recognize a few salient facts.
- Status – Where am I in the midst of this trial?
- Why do I feel the way I’m feeling?
- How can I get out of this? What steps are available?
- Am I in this alone? Who’s my helper? Who can I help?
- Has anyone ever faced life as we are today?
Perspective. Insights. Step back. Look it over. Analyze. Get A Grip!
When we glance into the past, immediately we realize a truth.
In times like these,
It’s good to remember,
What we know so well,
But often refuse to recall.
In times like these,
Remember,
There have always been
Times like These!
From times of ancient past, to even the last century, and wait, wait for it! Even yesterday. We’ve always had times like these.
Pick on Job…we always do. In verses 15-19 of the very first chapter, he faces calamity. Four tragedies. Sabeans, Fire of God, Chaldeans, Great Wind. Bang. Bang. Please wait for it! Bang. Again?! Bang.
You and I have NEVER faced tragedy like this. All his kids and their families – GONE! Wealth – GONE! Possessions – GONE! But the Bible tells the truth throughout the centuries. Noah. Adam. Eve. Jacob. Moses. David. Major names all over the place! Add to the popular ones all those unnamed and unknown. Victims. Wars. Genocide.
It seems to never quit.
Jesus taught that the rain fell on the just and the unjust, just as the sun shines on the good and the evil. (Matthew 5:45) The sun and rain come from God’s plan for purpose, and sometimes it’s exactly what’s needed. Other times? Not so much!
Getting Through Tough Times
We each cope and respond differently. Sometimes the little issues cause a great eruption of emotions and feelings. Splashed all over the place! Other times we hold up a heavier load than anyone should rightly deal with. Sometimes we whimper and cry. Other times we reach into an inner strength and stand tall.
Go back to Job. It’s about to get worse. His own body betrays him. Boils. Sackcloth. Ashes. Then his wife and friends seem to change sides. From his side to the other side. You’re guilty! You’ve done something wrong. Admit it.
The next few verses in Job tells us what his personality in the crisis was.
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
(Job 1:20-22)
Wailing. Weeping uncontrollably. Anger. Emotions that sometimes get the best of us? Not visible in Job’s response. Could it be that he comprehended something we struggle with. God allowed me to face this. He’s got this! I can handle what’s coming my way.
The Psalmist wrote that the Lord hears the cry [call] and delivers us out of all our troubles! (Psalms 34:17)
For me, and the way I’m facing life in these uncertain times, keep my focus and clarity. Handle the pushback. Lift up the name of the Lord. He’s got this!
