This morning I chose to read Psalm 3. For what reason? Well, quite often I like to read the Psalm that corresponds to the date on the calendar. Pretty simple approach isn’t it? I like to think so, but always at no surprise to me, SOMETHING from the reading will hit me with an “aha!” Today was no exception.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, 2020 was dominated by Covid 19 and here we are in August 2021 and every news outlet or social media platform is STILL making this virus the headliner in current events. Admittedly, I am over the depth of concern covid has imposed on me. I am not in control regarding its spread or conflicting opinions at every turn in TV, radio, social media reporting. I’m saddened how family and friendships have been torn apart or destroyed due to ONE virus. I could easily compare other death tolls that have accrued due to other illnesses, but I won’t. I could research and tell you how many children have been aborted out of selfishness, but I won’t. I could also look into deaths caused by drunks, people texting while driving, but I won’t. Why? When 2020 brought lockdowns and masks, arguments and unknowns, I turned and remained steadfast with my eyes fixed on Jesus whether it meant reading Scripture or talking to Him audibly or through my journaling. In 2020 I devoured a psalm a day, found one or two truths in each one and shared them on my social media page. By doing so, I built up my hope and confidence in Him as well as finding out what I was sharing brought strength, courage, and renewed hope to others. I couldn’t ask for anything more, other than bringing new people into God’s Kingdom, but that’s an entirely different blog post.

So, back to Psalm 3 and today. The verse that I gleaned in today’s quiet reading was 6: “I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.” How does that apply to me, having survived 2020 and finding myself midway through 2021? 

With each directive, I’ve done the mask thing. With each confirmed exposure, I’ve done the quarantine thing. I’ve washed my hands. I’ve taken my temperature when requested.  I’ve been socially distanced. I’ve used the disinfected shopping carts. I’ve stayed home if I didn’t feel well. What I didn’t do was take fear off the clothes hanger in a closet filled of unknowns and wear it. Fear is one of Satan’s primary weapons to keep a Christian from fully trusting in God; it’s a garment he carefully crafts hoping people will crave to wear and make a permanent part of their wardrobe. Fear is a state of mind that is easily composed in the minds of the wrong people who accessorize it with control and manipulation. It’s a driving force among throngs of people as evidenced by daily news reports driven by statistics and experts who sit among the “tens of thousands” trying to make me feel afraid. I’m not doing it. I will be smart, but more so I will be wise. I say I will listen to directives, but I will question. My questions won’t be directed at a person but rather addressed to God in prayer. I will pursue health. I will pursue being informed. I will pursue God. In that order? No. I will chase after God FIRST. Everything else I need will fall in line behind Him. 

If anything, 2020 was a year that drove me to ask more questions. Evaluate priorities. Take comfort in quiet times and unknown times, to see the folly of men and women trying to orchestrate continued chaos tied to a virus. While I certainly don’t ignore anyone’s  grief due to deaths connected to this illness, I am offering my voice as one contrary to the effects of living in constant fear and hardship. My bottom line in 2020 and to this day is a montra I’ve coined: “If I get covid and die, I win, for I am with Jesus. If I get covid and live, I win, for I am here with family and friends until He DOES call me Home.” Whatever scenario, you won’t catch me wearing a garment of fear. You’ll see me living each day to its fullest. I’ll continue going about my day to day activities, my weekly commitments, and being out in my community shopping or joining in a social event. My TV and radio will be turned off for the majority of my waking hours; the pages of my Bible will remain open, especially to the Psalms. “I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me”. (verse 3) Who or what is sustaining you? Is it time to update your wardrobe?