4-26-20 Staying Cool in These Times
Staying Cool in These Times :: By Edwin Tan
Face masks for all outings, keeping a sizeable distance from people, and being cooped up in one place for a whale of a time; nobody could have envisaged this slew of life-changing facelifts when 2020 was ushered in. There are times when we are apt to deem this as a bad dream but the stark reality of it being an inescapable fact of daily life for at least a good part of the year.
There is no doubt that the world which we are very familiar with is as good as done and dusted. More reason for many to mourn this untimely demise. Gone are the leisurely shopping trips to malls, chilling out at the neighborhood Starbucks, and watching a sporting event at a bar close to home. Enough to perceive a paralysis in one’s body. Some souls would signal the prospect of losing their sanity.
Praise the Lord! We are not in this conundrum because of the Blessed Hope. Nevertheless, the notion of easier said than done is more than just a rough ride. We are literally hanging on until He plucks us out. Without doubt, we look up while more bad news fills the airwaves, but this is tough business. The hour of our deliverance is indeed drawing nigh, but waiting can be undoubtedly a very taxing affair. On this note, I would like to share some sweeteners that would help a good many brothers and sisters in Christ hang on with less pain.
First and foremost, we should take 1 Thess 5:17 as the hallmark of each day – “Pray without ceasing.” We should continue with fervent prayer through the day, whether aloud or in silence. We still have communal prayer through our technological marvels. Avoid making prayer that is ritualistic and following a prescribed format. Let the Holy Spirit call the shots; prayer can be spontaneous and oftentimes invigorating to the soul. Most importantly, we must believe in effective prayer!
Secondly, we must continually feed on the Bread of Life which is none other than the Living Word.
Let, again, the leading of the Holy Spirit be the source of inspiration and direction. If you have the anointing from the Lord, you will find new and meaningful insights from your Bible. No likelihood of yawns when you’re in close contact with the Lord.
The next thing that will bring cheer to many, including yourself, is none other than sharing plus encouragement – this could be a one-on-one phone call, messages sent to friends, and even a chat group.
Surfing the Internet for wholesome spiritual food is also helpful, but do exercise caution where material and source are concerned.
Finally, one important consideration based on Proverbs 3, 5 & 6 should not be taken lightly. We are exhorted to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Why this a vital piece of Scripture?
Can we rely on our own understanding and judgment in times like this? Seemingly untenable possibilities and the unearthing of numerous fallacies in what we put our every dollar in could sideswipe us momentarily. No questions asked, what we are all going through is something the planet has never seen. What we see and hear every day can cloud our rational thinking. It can drive us to think about sensational and even silly courses of action which can border on the extreme. But before we allow our psyches to take upon the trajectory of a runaway freight train, remember one thing – do not put your cards on your own intelligence, education and experiences. Trust in the Lord with all your heart!
Hanging tough is no pleasant pie, but we know what is around the corner. In the meantime, make an arduous setting glowing when our focus is correct!
Maranatha and in His Love
Edwin
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