Week 3 Devotion by Jennifer Morris
By now you are probably hoping to read something that doesn’t mention COVID-19. Well, this isn’t going to be it. When confronted with a passage like Psalm 121:1-8 it’s impossible to ignore what is on everyone’s mind.
“I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes for the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep you your life. The will keep your going and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. “
In the current days of uncertainty and fear, the words of David in this Psalm seem right on time. David didn’t know about the 2020 COVID-19 panic but he did know adversity. Early in life, David faced a giant obstacle, literally. When he was a teenager with only his shepherd’s staff, a slingshot and 5 carefully-chosen smooth stones David faced the 9 1/2 foot giant, Goliath. When adversity came his way, David decided to face it head-on. He wasn’t prepared or equipped to stand up to the giant, but his God was. Throughout his life, David continued to trust that God was big enough to handle whatever came against him. Watching the 9 1/2 foot giant decked out in bronze armor tumble to the ground with one shot of a sling changed the way David viewed his God. He wrote song after song in the Psalms praising God for his goodness and unfailing protection.
Where does your help come from? It’s a good question to ask ourselves anytime, but especially in the outbreak of confusion we have had in the past few days. David said his help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He quickly defines who God is to remind himself and us that if your help comes from the creator of the universe, then you don’t have anything to be anxious about. The Lord does not sleep or slumber. COVID-19 didn’t take God by surprise. Like David, remind yourself of who God is. If you are feeling anxious or confused make a list of who God is to you. Once you remember who He is and what He is capable of, you will begin to relax and lean into His love and peace.
This week in your journey to the cross, it’s time to get our hearts turned back to Jesus. Over the last week, our minds have been bombarded with information, panic, and fear. Don’t stop washing your hands or taking precautions but do turn your thoughts back to Jesus. You will likely have more time this week because of cancellations. Don’t let that time go to waste. Use some of that time to spend time with God praying for our country and our world and reading God’s word. Our fast for this week is social media. After the bombardment of social media this week a break may be just what you need. Extra time and a break from your phone could be life-changing for you and your family as you remember where your help comes from. Also know that you are the hands and feet of Jesus and you could be the help the God provides for your neighbor. Check on each other and praise God as David did. He is good.
The video this week was filmed two weeks ago, but it is still applicable today. Don’t let worry and fear consume you, and we encourage you to use the extra time you have this week to draw closer to God. We will be posting a few devotionals on the church social media throughout the week, so instead of a total fast, consider just fasting from scrolling unnecessarily through social media.