Fear

www.bible.com/1713/ecc.12.13.csb

Apparently there’s a lot to be afraid of nowadays. Here in Kentucky. We have been told to be afraid of church, bars, restaurants, large gatherings and non-essential travel? Why? Well, there’s a nasty virus out there that we can’t see that lurks in the potential breath of strangers. It’s here to make us sick, even to kill us if we are exposed to it. We’ve got to wear masks, seal ourselves off from social contact, and stay HOME.

Now we are flattening the curve and exercising social distancing out of an abundance of caution. There, I managed three social buzz-phrases in one sentence. It’s making me sick.

I have had two opportunities to leave town cancelled, one this weekend and one the next, because the virus has caused fear in others to cancel events and shut down venues. Instead of getting out of town, it looks like I will be staying in town for the duration. The lack of mobility is starting to wear on me. Even the idea that I can’t anywhere because nothing is going to be open is grating in my nerves. So what’s a guy to do?

Solomon suggests that we fear God and keep His commandments. This is the end of the law. This is the goal of all that has been written. Maybe I’ve needed to rant a bit, and I thank you for reading this far. And maybe all of this is to point out to us what’s really important in this life. Priorities are changing. We need to review those priorities in light of our walk with Christ. What is it to be a Christian in the middle of all of this? I think it means more than watching TV and moping around the house. Now is the chance to catch on your Bible reading, break out that study guide you’ve been meaning to get into. Catch up on a sermon series you’ve missed online or offer to help in your community in any way that you can. Call some elderly folks in your church and see how they are doing. You know they’ll appreciate the visit.

Lord help me today to see the opportunities that lie ahead for those who follow You. Help me to be the Christian I need to be today despite the circumstances. Show me the opportunities before me so that I can continue to serve You faithfully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.