Lean in

I was struck over the past few days of the chaos we find in our "human world" contrasted against the stability and predictability of God's creation. The birds are singing spring songs, winter has given way to spring. Crocuses are blooming in my front yard... I'm sure you can make a list of your own.

It reminds me of Matt 6:25-34, especially vs 26 - Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Unprecedented, historic, world-changing are just some of the words I've heard this week. None of us have been through such a pandemic. Some of us are in what are called high risk categories. Employment is a concern for others. There is arguably a lot to be worried about.

Physical responses aside, we have really two choices in the spiritual realm. We can either lean into God and hold fast to Him regardless of how worrisome the times become. Or, we can turn away from God and bathe ourselves in worry, fear and panic.

And it occurs to me, it shouldn't just be in troubling times that we lean in, hold fast and draw from Him. We should be doing this at all times; when things are going well, and when crisis hits. Ecclesiastes tells us time and again, there is nothing new, all things have happened before. What makes now so significant to us is that we are living through it.

Choose to lean in. Renew your strength.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV