Draw Near

During this season of cultural pressure and concerns, many people find themselves in a “holding pattern” in life, as they wait for travel, work, and schools open after the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, social distancing has made the practice of healthy community very challenging.  It's a difficult season, right?


Through it all, God still moves. He weaves his threads through the warp and woof of our lives, undaunted by the chaos of our broken world.


We listen,
waiting for His whisper
to rise above
the clamor of every other voice.


We shut our ears
to the noise,
stilling our souls,
'til his words
drop like stones into a still pond:
making waves
filling our world
with ripples of his goodness.


As we listen, our ears become acutely attuned to the one-on-one counsel he gives. For many of you, he may not be giving a life outline for the next five years, but does bring counsel for the week... day... moment. 

Sometimes discovering God's next step for our lives means listening for his heart moment by moment during the day. Its both uncomfortable... and very intimate.

He pulls us close to hear his voice. And each day, we follow -- aligning our heart with his, as he provides each step we need. ​

Just as Christ draws near to offer hope during difficult times, I encourage you to find ways to reach out to others. I've heard many sad stories from my single friends about how they haven't received a hug in months or how no one from their community is checking on them. 

Obviously, each one of us should respect the medical authorities and personal convictions of ourselves and others. However, there are so many ways to show the care and love of Christ, especially in this difficult season.  While the world is self-isolating, maybe it's time to practice "social nearness" in healthy ways. 

Recently I chatted with an elderly couple who felt very isolated, yet they were experiencing incredible kindness from others even while social distancing.  A man who is a public entertainer reached out -- they had been instrumental in leading him to the Lord several decades ago.  When he learned that the husband had recently been diagnosed with dementia and the wife had become his full time care giver, he began driving an hour across town twice a month to bring fresh groceries to their front door.  No health or safety boundaries have been violated, and this dear couple receives the comforting care they need during their especially trying time. 

Maybe you have a neighbor who could use checking up on. Or perhaps there's a single person in your neighborhood who needs a helping hand or just a friendly word.  Finding creative, healthy ways to love can be an incredible way to share the heart of Jesus during these times! 
Prayer: Father, please help me to silence my soul and listen for Your still, small voice. Tune my heart to hear your guidance for each step of the journey. Give me creative ways to love others, even during this time of isolation and fear, knowing that your light shines brightly when the darkness is thick. Thank you for being close to me, even during these tumultuous times!

Blessings,
Rebecca Friedlander
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