There are periods in life when things seem pretty stressful. They come and go through life. You rely on your meditative discipline to stay calm. Yet, life seems to have a series of struggles we must learn to overcome in business, family life, and social interactions.
With the pandemic and its lockdowns, the leftist social and news media cross-examining everything on behalf of the elites, the polarization of society increases. A disallowance of debate affects business lockdowns, family solidarity, and social distancing. Sadly evident are the counter-punching divisive views whacking the truth about natural health immunity, fueling a narrative for a draconian civic duty to get vaccinated at all costs. The inability of the Christian church to find one authentic voice is not unified but somewhat divisive. Questions are posed: “Are we facing an apocalyptic plague”? “Are we in the final throes of the earth’s history”? Just how soon is Christ to return”? Others may be content to ask: “did you get your double jab”?
When many paradigms in life are shifting and seem to be going wrong, Christ says, trust Me, abide in Me. When your life feels increasingly out of control, thank Him for reminding you of your need. Then allow Jesus to lead you by His Spirit to lift you above your circumstances.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing...If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15: 4-7)
If you do what comes naturally in the face of life’s trials, you may fall prey to fear. Fear breeds negativism already building in an angry collective consciousness pervading society with an increasingly closed-off mindset.
A few complaints can slide you down the slope of delusional despair. It will fog your ability to weigh all the facts before you find clarity. In times like this, ask the Lord who promises guidance, remain calm and wait. (Proverbs 3: 5-6, 4:11; Exodus 15:13; Psalm 23:2-3, 48:14, 139:9-10, 37:23-24; Isaiah 58:11)
To hear and sustain truth in your mind takes ongoing patience. The payoff is a fresh perspective and a mindset reliant on Christ. I find that I must write out everything I question and ask for guidance, tweaking out lies and deceptions. (Revelation 14:12)
We must turn away from following the ideals of the global elitists of the world, which is increasingly controlling society. Ask, “Will I want to surrender my reasoning powers to accept any mandate interfering with my right or anothers’ right to freedom”? Many now comply with societal surveillance employed by the conjoining governments of the entire world following one lock-step agenda. (Revelation 13:8 NIV)
We are vulnerable if we think: “my alternate opinion flowing from my mouth or pen won’t find an ear to hear or an eye to see what matters most right now”. Don’t fear censorship, either. Avoid that slippery dark descent of angst. Paul’s guidance is helpful:
God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too, at the present time, there is a remnant, chosen by grace. (Romans 11:2-5)
The solution is to cry out to Christ for His Spirit to lead you! Affirm your trust in Him, regardless of how you feel. Thank Jesus Christ for everything; though this may seem unnatural—it’s not irrational. The Spirit of Christ honours trusting faith that aims to glorify Him. (Isaiah 30:21; Philippians 2:5)
Gradually you will begin to ascend, recovering your lost ground. When you are back on ground level, you can face your circumstances from a humble perspective. If you choose supernatural responses this time—trusting and thanking Christ—you will experience His unfathomable peace. (Psalm 13:5)
The concept applied to this period in life is inspired by portions of the ideas from Young, Sarah. Jesus Calling (Jesus Calling®) (p. 290). Thomas Nelson.