Abundance of Caution

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." 

– Colossians 3:2

These days our world is seemingly turned upside down as organization after organization issues cancellations and warnings "out of abudance of caution." 

As a person required to communicate in order to earn a paycheck, I must admit I'm bothered it doesn't say "out of AN abundance of caution." But maybe that's a little too Hermione Granger to point out. 

Lighthearted and nerdy humor aside, this doesn't feel at all like a laughing matter. There are people losing their livelihood, students facing the reality of having to leave communities behind without so much as a goodbye, and families coping with a new normal. 

New normal. What does that even mean? It feels a lot like the new circumstances we find ourselves in – online school or work, cancelled social events and entertainment, and shortages – will last for the rest of our lives. It feels like the quarantine will never end. 

But this too shall pass. These current worries, anxieties and even temporary pleasures will come to an end. Our lives are so short in the context of eternity. One day Jesus will return and establish a new kingdom, which sounds a lot like a fairytale, I know. 

The beautifully wonderful comfort we have in this day is that Jesus sits on his throne. We hold fast to the truth that God is in control. Even when we feel completely out-of-control and lost, God is still good. 

How can we reconcile two totally opposite things? How is God in control and good yet horrible and confusing circumstances surround us?

Well. I think of the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," which points me to the idea that even when I feel unwell (emotionally, spiritually, or physically) God is greater than any of my circumstances. 

"Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let his blest assurance control, 

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed his own blood for my soul"

While we feel deep pain and anxiety, Christ offers comfort. If anyone can understand the discomfort and uncertainty we feel, it's the one who not only created us, but sacrificed his own life for ours. 

So what can we do? We can cry out to our God who will hear you, just as Israel did in Exodus 2:23, Exodus 4:10, Judges 3:9 and Judges 4:3.  Consistently God's people called out to him and God was faithful to hear and respond. The same God who offered mercy to his lost and scared people will offer you mercy.

Now, there's a lot to unpack about those verses and debates over punishment for sin and well deserved consequences. All of these conversations about why bad things happen are important and have a place. 

But I want to start with a simple frame of reference. People are hurting. People are asking heavy questions about the meaning of life. And there are answers. Some we can't answer right away, and that's okay. However, our biggest takeaway is God. Is. Good. Even when our world seems to crumble, our creator and savior hears us and loves us. 

We must fight to arm ourselves with the truth of scripture against the lies and schemes of the devil. The lies that tell us God doesn't exist, that God isn't good and that our temporary circumstances are eternal. 

We can love one another well. We can have open eyes to the needs of others. If you or your community need anything: a hot meal, a ride, help with childcare, or groceries, please don't hesitate to ask. And for those who are still in comfort, maybe consider the needs of your neighbors in this time. 

Above all else, PRAY. Prayer is our greatest weapon. We think it is so insignificant, but in reality it's like a walkie talkie in the middle of a war zone. Prayer allows us to communicate with God in the way that a soldier can communicate with a commander far away. It allows us to call for help, things we need, and unleash our feelings of inadequacy. 

And finally, a reminder: God does not cause evil to happen to us, but he will use circumstances to bring about good. Good means that God is glorified and we are being made more like him. We can trust in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."