What do we do now?

 As we are now in lockdown in South Africa amid all that is happening in the world and around us with the Coronavirus pandemic, I think we are all very aware of the fact that many things are changing and will change in future and that we truly, more than ever before, need divine wisdom and guidance for our next step.

We have a son that is working as a fitness instructor on a cruise ship in the Caribbean. He has been there for 4 months of his 9 month contract. Suddenly all cruise ships have stopped operating. Many crew members were sent home, and a lot of uncertainty exists with regard to if and when these ships will sail again.

In Tehillah we have also had many plans for new products that we are in the process of developing and suddenly this ‘ship’ has also come to a halt. Sales have stopped because couriers aren’t operating for non-essential goods and, I think, most of us are generally not thinking of buying nice to haves at the moment. Together with many across the globe we are all waiting to see what will happen…

We have been shaken to our very core and things that we have taken for granted have suddenly been taken away from us. Even the way we move around, train and socialise are being affected.

We are all used to making plans for the future, whether it be in our businesses, our next weekend or holiday. This reminds me of these verses in James.  Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:13-15

 We are not only confronted with all the changes but with our own vulnerability and powerlessness in this situation. We are confronted with so many different voices, opinions and agendas on social media and media that can easily add more anxiety and turmoil.

What are we to do as children of God at a time such as this??

1. Be still and wait upon the Lord

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalms 46:10

 “But those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.’  Isaiah 40:31

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalms 27:14 

2. Do Not Fear but Speak Life!

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Philippians 4:6

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”  Proverbs 18:21  

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live”  Deuteronomy 30:19

3. Ask for wisdom and discernment and surrender my plans into God’s hands

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”  James 1:5

“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.”  Psalms 23:3-4

“Thus says the LORD, “Stand by the roads and look; ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is; then walk in it, And you will find rest for your souls.” Jer 6:16

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6 

4. GO and DO

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Jos 1:9 

“I can do all this through Christ who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9

I speak as much to myself as to anyone else when I write this blog. These are scriptures that I need to remind myself of daily. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, remain in His peace, listen to His voice and then go out and do the work.

I am again reminded of Jesus’ words before He was arrested..