DEVOTION

The world has changed right before our eyes. Honestly, this is a world that feels so different from a year ago when my dad was living his final days on this earth. This is a world that is different just months after Christmas and now approaching Easter in a way that doesn’t make sense. It feels surreal to me watching things unfold hour by hour and day by day. It’s strange to see our communities and buildings empty.

In the midst of this global Coronavirus, it is the first time in modern history that we are experiencing something simultaneously in every region of our globe. This is not a quick headline which impacts one region or just one hemisphere—it is truly worldwide.

I know it creates real anxiety and fear, but I'm one to balance caution and sound mind with compassionate faith with the God of comfort.

I’m reminded of this biblical truth: that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:7). He is the source of peace and presence in times of uncertainty. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords past, present, and future.

He is also simultaneously present on every region of our globe. In this season of our world, we, the church, have the opportunity to be a calming and comforting presence in a world that is filled with fear, worry, and anxiety.

But first, where do you need to ask God to speak comfort, peace, and love into your circumstance of worry or fear? The God of hope wants to fill you as you are reading this right now!

As we are filled with peace of Christ, may that lead us to be good neighbors in times of crisis and care for the most vulnerable in our community. Mr. Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

This is the way of Jesus. Be a helper. Be a good neighbor. Be the church.

PRAYER

Lord,

As the storms of the world are around us, God, please bring peace where I have anxiety. Replace my worry with a time of worship. Lord, we look to you for all we need, and want to present the needs of our community, city, and world to you. As lives simplify each day, may we lift up those who are sick, those who are stressed about job security, those who have experienced loss, and those of us filled with fear and worry. Lord, give us your peace that surpasses all understanding. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill us with hope, fill us with comfort and peace. Fill us with love.

In Christ’s name,

Amen.

Scott Bartlow

Pastor of Campus Expansion

sbartlow@crossings.church