We are living in an unprecedented time! Panic has suddenly enveloped the entire world, and anxiety pervades everything from the skittish financial markets to the apprehensive mask-wearing neighbor in the supermarket. Restaurants, school, malls, and business have abruptly closed; fear has paralyzed the general populace.
In addition, our government has asked that we not gather in large assemblies, which has affected our social and church life. Sunday morning services, communions, and even normal social events that we take for granted have been cancelled. As a result, we unexpectedly find ourselves spending more time at home, isolated from others. All of this has happened so quickly that we are left with many questions. How long will it last? Will people that I know die from this? Will our economy and life as we know it survive? No one seems to have answers to these simple questions.
So how are you reacting to this sudden upheaval? Maybe you have more time at home and are tempted to spend your extra time scanning the news or listening to fearful predictions about the future. It is good to be informed, but we want to suggest to our brotherhood some more productive alternatives. Maybe in the past you prayed for a closer walk with God and have longed for more time to dedicate to reading, prayer, or times of solitude with God. This time might be an answer to those prayers.
Perhaps you are older in years and have been encouraged to stay indoors. We have many recent sermons on our website and we are endeavoring to add more. Listening to inspiring sermons can be an excellent way to utilize time at home during this unanticipated and unique time. Writing a letter of encouragement or an article for The Testimony are ways to edify—build up—those who share our common faith. Choosing to focus your attention on God and His goodness may help to remind you that He is still in control, even though the world around us seems to be reeling with negative news and bleak predictions of gloom. None of this has taken God by surprise! David said a long time ago in the 27th Psalm, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” The answer is obvious. If God is with us, we have nothing to fear.
Let’s use this time God has given us productively. David finishes this Psalm with words of confidence in His God which are needed in our time. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thy heart: wait I say on the Lord!”
The Website Advisory Committee