In Times Like These

     After what seems like forever, the world is slowly coming to life again for businesses and individuals who have a steady job.  No one could imagine that leaving your home each day would be such a privilege.  For some of us who are older and have health issues, though, we still cannot get out
the way we would like to do.  On top of that, the last week has been a scene of destruction. looting, vandalism of our national monuments all in response to a tragic death in Minneapolis.  Protesting is a guarantee if done in a peaceful manner, but what we witnessed did not fall into that category very often.  When we put these two things together (the Pandemic and rioting), it does not lead to a peaceful feeling in our hearts.  Yet, we know that God is sovereign over all the affairs of men, and we are to encourage one another all the more as we see the day drawing near of Christ's return.
     No one should be surprised at the many struggles in this world.  It is a good versus evil tug of war.  In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul gave us a picture of what would happen in the last days:
"1But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. 6For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy3:1-7).  This is quite a picture of  what we are now seeing play out before our eyes.  Knowing that this is what we face, how can we encourage one another and build up the body of Jesus Christ?
     As Paul goes on to encourage Timothy in this letter, he speaks to him about continuing in the teaching which he has been given since he was a child and concludes with these precious words in verses 16-17 of chapter 3:  "16All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."   Timothy knew the Word of God as a result of his mother and grandmother so the first place we need to turn when we face hard times is to the Bible.  In its pages are peace, comfort, solace, the love of God and words of wisdom to guide our walk.  If we want to be better in our chosen job or an equipped parent, we need only look into the Word and meditate on it day and night.  It has what we need.  This world claims to be full of wisdom, but it does not offer us the heart changing words of God.
     Secondly, we can encourage each other by praying together.  The old adage, "The family that prays together stays together" is true.  Uniting our lives before the throne of God in Jesus' name has power.  I enjoy praying with people over the phone, when I worked in my husband's office as well as in person.  When all seems overwhelming, prayer works and settles our heart before God. King David knew this well and many of the Psalms we read today were his songs/prayers to God.  Just reading them aloud as a prayer has often been my comfort in time of need.
     Finally, we all know that fellowship is essential.  While we cannot all be together like we used to at this present time (especially if we have health issues), we can call and talk on the phone.  We can write notes of encouragement to others or send them a card.  We can also meet up at an outdoor park as I did with a friend this past week.  It did us both good to get out of the house.  We could social distance but at the same time, we could also share our hearts and pray together.
      Certainly, these days are difficult, but God has not left us as orphans.  He is with us, in us and works through us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, we can overcome those bumps in the road if we will seek to build each other up in the faith as often as we can.  Our citizenship is in heaven, and we are just passing through this world.  What we see here is temporary but what will come is eternal.  Therefore, let us be busy looking to strengthen our faith just as the Apostle Paul told Timothy. In Christ, we have all we need for life and godliness in times like these.  Selah!