Still in Control

Wow. A lot has changed since the last time I met you here. We talked about being alone, and now it seems like that's what many people will be for the next week or 14 days or whatever your “quarantine” or "prevention period" will be. How timely is that? God put it on my heart to speak about loneliness and prepare us to learn that we are not truly alone and how to cherish that quiet time before it was reality.

I am on an extended spring break. Preventing me from stepping on campus and attending any face-to-face classes or being in large groups. Public schools are closed indefinitely. Other universities are asking their students to move out for the remainder of this semester. Travel bans are in place. The economy is not doing so hot. Gas prices are dropping (this is both a “yay” and a “yikes”). Nashville is wrecked by a tornado. TOILET PAPER IS GONE.

WHAT IS HAPPENING???

AHHHHHHH (scream with me) AHHHHHHH

Do we feel better? Yeah? Okay good.

The GOOD NEWS is God is still completely in control. He is still in control over pandemics, closings, financial crises, natural disaster, loss, panic, fear, toilet paper absences.

None of this is surprising to God. He is sovereign. He is prepared. If it feels like a lot for us to process, it’s because it is. It is a lot. Allow yourself to feel that. Acknowledge the crazy that it is but don’t dwell there. Tell yourself and a friend your feelings are warranted. However, fear is just as contagious as any pandemic, if not more. It doesn’t need contact. It can well up in us without coming in contact with another person who is fearful, but it is catalyzed by the media and those who are terrified. I’m not saying we should dismiss this situation, be mindful about where you are, how you are caring for yourself and those around you. I am saying that we need to be mindful also about our spiritual selves as we are about our physical. As we wash our hands to get rid of germs, cleanse your soul of unrighteousness. As you share news about government or CDC updates, be sure to share the gospel just as quick. As we chat with friends about the inconveniences of it, count your blessings. As you feel the fear rise inside, pray it out.

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you may live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’.” – Romans 8:15

Use this time to reconnect. If we are all going to be at home, let’s enjoy that time with those we live with. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Reconnect. Enjoy the quiet.

“My God is still in control

And still he reigns on his throne

Though mountains may tremble and sea billows roll

I’ll sing it is well with my soul

My God is still in control.”

-Mack Brock “Still in Control” *

We are friends through all of this. We will make it. We have the most prepared provider.

If you feel fear creeping in, Annie Downs, a really awesome lady, made a collaborative Spotify playlist ** that people have been adding to over the past couple days. I added Still in Control; I’ll link the playlist and just the song here. It was over 4 days long last time I checked. If you are not a Spotify user or if you are, jump in the Word. That is the most truthful outlet we have. Read that, not Facebook. I can say with confidence that you will feel 100% better than you would've had you checked the news, turned on the TV, or looked at social media.

We are not alone. We have nothing to fear. Because we are not in control, God is.

*Still in Control- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2yrVT2E-ic

** Spotify playlist- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6tsEQtaEjm2VIn8wQ54y2b