Every hour when our prayer alarm goes off, Terry and I have been praying together. This is such an unbelievable time in which we are all living. I keep thinking it is a nightmare and we will wake up soon. As we go through each day, though, I am truly learning to pray the words of James: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” - James 1:2-8 (NIV)
I have a note in the margin of my Bible next to this passage where Pastor Steve Lawes said, “In the hard times, it can be time for rejoicing! He teaches us to persevere - to press on; as part of the process! Joy is a deep, durable delight in God.”
This very surreal time is not one I would consider as “pure joy.” And yet … it is. When you break it down, it very much is a time of pure joy. Terry is not sick. Michala is not sick. I am not sick. My parents are not sick. My brother and his family are not sick. My sister-friends and their families are not sick. My bonus sons and daughter in love are not sick.
Perspective.
Terry and I get to be quarantined, together. We very much enjoy our time with each other. We know many people do not get second chances in life, and we got a big second chance.
I am considering it pure joy this virus has brought us to our knees. I am considering it pure joy during Holy Week, we as a world, might be praying more than ever before. I am trusting God through this time of uncertainty, and I am praying you are, as well.
Let’s keep sitting with one another.