During this season we are in I feel it would be robbery for us not to devote time to the best relationship we could have. Age is not a factor; status is not necessary; being rich or poor doesn’t affect this relationship. What is the best relationship we could have that reflects all things beautiful- trust, love, respect, commitment, integrity, honesty, and the list goes on? It is a a stable relationship with the Lord. Today as I write this post, I am doing what I do practically every day, which is to confine myself to my house, except for taking a walk in the mornings alone to exercise. I don’t even walk with my walking partner anymore to observe social distancing. I spend a lot of time alone with the other exception of when I homeschool my granddaughter.

So, I have time to build upon the long term relationship that I have with Jesus Christ. Although somethings in life are not right, good can come forth in different ways. I think about life before this pandemic, although I am retired, I was busy with this or that, running here and there. Things changed, and I realize I have more time to devote my self to a closer walk with God. Sheltering in place is your opportunity to strengthen your relationship with God. Think about what you did when you met someone and had an interest in that person. Didn’t you try to look your best, learn everything you could about the person- their likes, dislikes, favorite things? Didn’t you make your presence known around them? I could continue, but you get the picture.

The same principles apply to our relationship with God. No matter how long we have been saved or known as Christian, we don’t know everything about God. He never ceases to amaze me! Spending time reading His word teaches us more about Him. We learn what He requires of us and what He likes and dislikes. We don’t just want to know of Him, but we want to know Him! Our prayer life should become more vigorous. One of the essential components of any relationship is communication. Without excellent communication, a natural relationship won’t thrive, and neither will a spiritual one. Prayer is our communication with God.

In April, my pastor asked our church body to pray and fast Monday through Friday each week for this pandemic. He asked us to devote an hour to prayer each of the days, and our First Lady asked the women to spend at least five minutes of that prayer time wailing before the Lord. Wailing simply means to express deep sorrow, to lament, mourn. I think you can agree that Coronovirus certainly warrants wailing. So much loss of life and tragedy have come forth because of this pestilence. Praying, reading the bible, and fasting are some of the ingredients of a stable relationship with God. They help to foster the best relationship.

So, while you may be tired of sheltering in place, unable to freely spend time with family and friends outside of phone calls, texting, face time, or zoom- relish this gift of spending more time with our Savior. Build upon your existing relationship to make it the best one possible. Because we all know when the order comes that social distancing can be relaxed, people will be running to the stores, restaurants, social gatherings, back to work, etc. and that quality time with God will change to some degree. Just a last reminder, when we seek God first, all the other things we desire will be added unto us. One never knows that this extra prayer, bible reading time, and fasting may lead to other great relationships that we want. But, God knows! I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalms 119:15-16  I’ll be back next week with a new post, “Temptation, the Road to Devastation!”

Be encouraged, and God bless!

Sister Jackie