trbccoffeebreak

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

What a strange time this is. I don’t know about you, but this social distancing and self-quarantine thing is messing with me—and the people with whom I virtually interact on a regular basis. Even with the economic fallout of this crisis, my work is crazy-busy (praise the Lord!)…but it seems that everyone is functioning a bit “off” from their normal. Responsiveness is delayed or lacking, there’s a drop in care about quality, and the new work week is now 24/7.

Regardless of whether your job is currently hot, cold, or nonexistent, and whether you’re the only one in your house or you’ve got a family of nine, all this social distancing is creating a unique level of loneliness right now. And it’s a bit soul-crushing.

“Time” is weirdly fluid as well. Some days, we may use our time “wisely,” and other days are filled with more foolishness (um, can anyone say, “Tiger King”?). Social media posts are filled with quarantine productivity projects people are doing (making me somewhat feel guilty). But it’s all too easy to wander aimlessly within our walls, feeling purposeless and emotionally paralyzed.

But the Lord is near! He is above the CDC regulations and invites us to nestle in under His wings. He hears our cries of loneliness and frustration, and He delivers us from our fears (Psalm 34:4). Because challenges and trying times like this are promised in His Word, He encourages us to learn from them—about ourselves and about Him.

Sisters, take refuge in the promises of God’s nearness to us—Psalm 16:18, Psalm 73:28, Jeremiah 23:23, James 4:8 are just a few. No matter how we feel (or don’t feel) or what we do (or don’t do) during this COVID-19 madness, He won’t leave us or forsake us.

We are never alone…even when we’re all by ourselves.

“Lord, I am thankful that You will never distance Yourself from me. Help me rest in this Truth.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry