I find myself being frustrated a lot lately. My freedoms are being limited for reasons that do not seem reasonable. “Science” is supposed to be the driving wisdom, but at first I am told that wearing a mask is not required and in fact can make it more likely that I will catch the virus. But now I am being required to wear a mask. The death rate from heart attack, pneumonia and the flu are way down, all these normal deaths are listed as Corona virus deaths. I am not sure what is true and what is political. I have followed the lock down and social distancing, I will wear a mask in public, even though I think it a bit foolish. Six weeks into the pandemic a mask is required, why not from the start? I am frustrated.
FINDING PEACE
Following the directions and accepting the limitations placed upon me by people I am not sure I can trust is aggravating, at times maddening and certainly frustrating. Fortunately, my peace is not dependent upon my circumstances, but upon God’s love for me.
The first comfort I find is in God’s sovereignty, He is in charge. God has a reason for all that is happening. Romans 13 tells me that every person in a position of authority is there because God has put them there. It is true that some leaders are put there by God to punish us, others to bless us, but God is the one behind all authority.
Secondly, God does all things well, Lamentations 3:21-24 “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
Thirdly, God claims credit for the good and the bad. I do not have to be confused or wonder, the situation is in control. The situation is not in my control, not the control of our government officials, but God’s control. Isaiah 45:5-7 “I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the Lord, who does all these things.”
Fourthly, when I cannot understand God, I know I can trust Him. Romans 8:31-32 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
SUMMARY
My government does not have the right to do this = frustration, bitterness, bad times.
My God, whose love for me is beyond question has asked me to endure this suffering. He has holy purposes in all that He does. Joseph did not understand his suffering when it happened, but he was able to say, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.” = peace, rest, contentment.
I wish I could tell you that I am experiencing peace, perfect peace. I am tasting it; it comes and goes. I get my heart to a good place, then something happens, and I go back to frustration or anger. So once again I must remember my theology, read the Scriptures and pray. And once again I taste the peace of Christ. Come quickly Lord Jesus, I long for your permanent peace!
Isaiah 26:3-4
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength
