2020 is not lost. It does not have to be defined as the year of chaos and runaway viruses and political dumpster fires. It is the year we all have, right now, to grow deeper in our faith, to foster real life connections with those around us. It is the year we have to practice hearing God’s voice amidst a cacophony of people shouting at each other. And He can still be heard.
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But you, Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.
Psalm 102:12
Pressing In
March and April were such special months for me. My family, in a little cocoon of togetherness, enjoyed the slow-down of life: playing music together, reading books, moving along slowly, luxuriously enjoying the days. Individually, I had early mornings where I soaked in God’s presence, prayer and Bible reading.
3 Strands started with 3 ladies hearing echoes of Be Still as the country and world shifted to “lockdown mode”. We wanted to push into the calm, stillness, quiet, rest, and encourage friends and family to come along too.
And then the world began to move again. Instead of coming in gentle, measured phases, like the re-opening of our state has done, busyness flooded in, shoving out quickly routines and rhythms of faith I had cultivated.
But God remains the same, His years will never end.
(Psalm 102:27)
And here I am in August, wondering where did the last few months go. Lost in a string of days that are a “new normal”, reminiscent of life before, with a splash of lockdown life thrown in. Moving forward, but not. Similar, yet not. Different, and not.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues throughout all generations.
(Psalm 100:5)
So I look forward to these last few months of 2020 and I see 3 clear paths forward.
1. I can remain apathetic and detached. I can float along until nature and governments sort everything out, numbing the noise with various binges.
2. I can remain focused on the world–daily tests and death statistics, watching helplessly. I can feel deflated about the rising numbers and our own lack of control. I can be dismayed by the political woes of the election and the government response to the virus. I can consume the disgust of social media acquaintances, who disagree with the “other side”.
3. Or I can choose each day to be still, retuning to that echo that grounded me in the uncertainty of March and April. I can read the Bible with my 3 Strands sisters, instead of listening to news and daily counts. I can be encouraged by returning to my practice of prayer and open again my prayer journal that has sat untouched for the month of July. I can pursue connection with real life friends outside or on the phone instead of reading the snapshots of anger of Facebook. I can feel encouraged by turning my spirit into where the Holy Spirit is at work all around me.
God is love, love that remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! The Lord has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. (Psalm 107:33-38)
Because 2020 is not lost. It does not have to be defined as the year of chaos and runaway viruses and political dumpster fires. It is the year we all have, right now, to grow deeper in our faith, to foster real life connections with those around us. It is the year we have to practice hearing God’s voice amidst a cacophony of people shouting at each other. And He can still be heard.
But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising him to everyone. For he stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them. (109:30-31)
2020 is not lost. 2020 is the amazing practice field we have to press into living out our faith.
Read more -> 2020 is not lost (part 1)
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