Scripture can be a mirror, and I - rather melodramatically - see my life reflected in the Jewish people's frustration at God and at their situation. These current times have a desert-like feel, seemingly devoid of hope, options, and life. I've struggled with frustration towards this season and the temptation has been to act as if life is on hold. I too lack the ability to understand the purpose for my present circumstance.
Proverbs 16:3 "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" and 3:5 "commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans" challenged my 'chosen' pessimistic perspective. Yes this is a time of wilderness, but there is life and hope and God here if I open my eyes to see it. The desert can be an incredible place of encounter - "I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her" (Hosea 2:14).
But this is a choice. It's a choice to view this season as an opportunity to dig roots and bloom where I'm planted rather than as a stagnant interim. To utilise this time to quiet my heart to perceive God's spirit moving rather than fill the void with distractions. To trade frustration for trust, despondence for hope and replace my 'pause button' with a renewed commitment to carry out my mundane everyday tasks for Gods glory whether I perceive him or not.
Its through this lens that I have begun to see beauty in the ordinary, to appreciate the new pace, to hope, and see opportunity to grow, live and perceive differently.
Gods plans are bigger than mine, his understanding is complete and he brings good from all things. Gods reminding me of this now, when it's hard to put faith into practice.
Both perspectives are realities. Its our choice to see a white zebra with black stripes or a black zebra with white stripes. My prayer today is that we, choose to see life through the lens of hope and perceive Gods purposeful presence in our lives despite our circumstance and limited understanding.
Put on Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" at full volume and choose today to stop and have a bop. Choose hope and joy in the midst of your present reality.
The wilderness of Kerry mid-pandemic.
