The pace of life is beginning to return to its regular routine. People are emerging from their self-quarantine cacoons with a new appreciation for what it means to be a part of a community. As our daily cadence begins to include commutes down the interstate and lunches with the people we work with, let’s be careful to evaluate what we want to see change and what we want to go back to normal.
As I consider my daily beat, I’ve decided I don’t want to let go of the bedtime routine my eight-month-old and I have developed during the quarantine. I’m giving up late-night meetings to brush Charlotte’s hair and read her a bedtime story in my deteriorating recliner. Through, I’ve considered not just the deliverance from home imprisonment and not being able to interact with people the way that I want, but also everything I’ve already been delivered from. Considering week three study’s focus on confession – and specifically our need to ask God to reveal to us what we have to confess, I’m thankful for the traps in my life that God has revealed to me. Some are Derrick specific, like not valuing my time with my family enough. Others, I think, are shared within the Christian community as a whole.
I heard someone say that God has used Rona’ to reveal to Christians how church buildings have become an idol. Personally, that’s a scary thought; but it gets worse to consider that so many of us are eager to return to doing what we did before with no change. Could traditions be another revealed idol? It has been freeing to enjoy our church’s worship services without thinking about church attendance. Additionally, across the board, it seems churches are talking about the new connections they’ve made. Perhaps audiences are another revealed idol.
My point is this: it would be a shame to see us return from COVID-19 as the time comes completely unchanged. If this has provided for you the time you needed to start a daily bible reading and study plan, don’t stop. Keep it up. Reflect on how you’ve benefited personally and spiritually and use that as motivation not to allow the old normal to become a distraction from it.
For me, I’ve realized just how out of control I am. The year started strong with changes in team dynamics—the much-needed introduction of structure and consistency. I even developed a calendar for our student ministry through the summer (something I’ve wanted to do for a long time). It turns out the schedule needs throwing out entirely; team structures are in tail-spins. I’m not in control; God is.
Have we been praying for God to deliver us from the fear and anxiety associated with a global pandemic? Yes! More importantly, though, we’ve been praying that God would deliver us from what prevents us from living in obedience to him.
Trust and Deliverance
Whether the Psalms are looking forward to the coming Messiah as we discussed in week 2, Reminded of Routine, or not, a tremendous portion of the Psalms has to do with the concept of deliverance. This idea of being restored from circumstances or enemies by God ultimately comes down to our ability to trust God in each moment of our lives. In part, an attitude of trust can be an act of submission to God’s will.
As I looked at the Psalms we’re reading this week, in light of the circumstances that the various Psalmists found themselves in, there are two ways that God is described or approached as that stood out to me.
A place of refuge
Many of the Psalms we’re looking at describe God as a physical place of refuge or safety. As I read and meditate on Psalm 46 and all of the destruction described in it, I’m reminded that I am safe in God’s presence no matter what. A hectic day that didn’t go as planned has the potential to bum me out because of the personality that I have. Even I know that missed expectations don’t compare to watching mountains be carried away by the ocean. I can find peace in remembering the refuge I have in God. And not just in my relationship to Him; but in the presence of Him.
A provider of all that we need
The reality is that just because we deem a situation worthy of deliverance, God doesn’t necessarily. While it may seem that we have enemies, poor circumstances, or even unnecessary obstacles, relying on God is ultimately our goal and focus. Paul had a similar affliction to what we described. He mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12 and described it as a thorn in his flesh. Paul tells us in verse 9 that he has pleaded with God to remove the thorn. Not just once, but three times he has cried out for help and deliverance. God’s response is a reminder that the grace He has already given to Paul is sufficient for all that he needs – as it is for us.
Week 5 Psalm Reading Plan
Here is a link to a daily Psalm reading plan that you may use as we Solidify our Routine. We have included five days of focused study with a discussion question you can use as a journal response, or to start a conversation at lunchtime with your family. If you’re up for the challenge, we’ve planned out finishing the book of Psalms in this six-week study with some additional reading that sticks to each week’s theme.
Here’s a PDF version of the reading guide, too.