A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE
Friday, March 20, 2020 by Leona Choy

Do you know where you are and why?

Are you in isolation?

In social-distancing?

Feeling incarcerated?

Alienated from loved ones?

Under house arrest?

In self-quarantine?

Perhaps you feel like a prisoner sentenced to

solitary confinement as punishment?

You may be totally alone or housebound with family or designated people, It may be voluntary, by choice or by mandate to keep you away from the rest of humanity for a time and keep illness at bay. I suggest, I sincerely recommend that we all look at our situation in the following way:

I am alone but I need not be lonely. My situation is for my good, for public welfare, for the common good. Moreover, I am under the intensive care and watchful eye of my loving Heavenly Father God. He knows where I am and is with me in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit. I am not forsaken or forgotten. He is with me 24/7.

How about accepting my current separation from other people as SHELTERED IN PLACE? That puts a positive spin on it and shifts my perspective in God's direction.

Let's consider that we are set apart for multi-faceted, infinite reasons, ultimately known only to God and in His eternal plan. Our personal, national, and global state of affairs is fully under God's control. He was not caught by surprise by any invisible virus by whatever name we call it. The name of Jesus is above every name in heaven and on earth, and He has the final authority over whatever is happening.

How long will our present confinement last? When the notable Dr. Andrew Murray, missionary statesman, Bible teacher, and deeper spiritual life author a few centuries ago was asked what counsel he would offer to one of God's children who was enduring a time of trouble of uncertain duration, he recommended declaring:

“I am here--
By God's appointment
In His keeping
Under His training
For His time.”

And he offered Psalm 50:15 as God's sure promise in such time,

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."

Everything may look chaotic, confusing, and out-of-control to you and me. We may feel anxious and disoriented because our status and the instructions given seem to change daily. We are tempted to fear, anxiety and panic. God's Word has a calm directive for us, a balm for our mental state and emotions and spiritual welfare in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations.” To understand the implications of that mandate, we can help ourselves abundantly to the various translations or versions.

“Our God says, 'Calm down, and learn that I am God! All nations on earth will honor me.'”

“That's enough! Now know that I am God.”

“Let be and be still, and know, recognize, understand that I am God.”

“Let go of your concerns, I rule the nations, I rule the earth.”

“Be in awe....”

“Stand silent!....”

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

“Cease striving and know that I am God.”

“Be quiet and know....”

“....know that I am Elohim....”

“Surrender your anxiety! Be silent....”

“Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God....”

“Desist, and know....”

“Be still. Stop fighting. I will be praised throughout the earth.”

Let's look at the blessings of suddenly being forced to slow down, to lay aside our frantic pace, step away from our daily routine and be quiet, distance ourselves from the agitation of the market place. In some cases spend quality time with our family and loved ones, get to know one another without the tension of everyone's scattered schedules. To get to know ourselves, if we are living solo. Above all, this is a prime opportunity to spend intimate, unhurried time with the Lord, to listen to His voice without the static of the frenetic world drumming into our ears.

Yes, there is a sandpaper side to nonvoluntary close encounters day and night with other people, even/or especially those of our own flesh and blood. We need to activate all the nine fruits of the Spirit until we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel of this shelter-time. Yes, there's the danger of contracting “cabin fever” and the virus of claustrophobia. But let's change our perspective to being mega-grateful for the huge blessings of being SHELTERED IN PLACE in the specific, protected place and for whatever duration of time God designates.

Let's enjoy this comparatively brief slice of solitude God planned for us and do our happy dance while we can. Jesus declared He was “preparing a PLACE” for us, and I'm 100% sure there won't be any “social-distancing”—no viruses there.” Privacy in Heaven? Not so much, methinks. Especially with the eternal presence of myriads of angels and the multitudes from every nation and culture through the ages.

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Comments

Li Ui yang From SF CA At 3/22/2020 7:37:51 AM

What a wonderful wonderful reminder and encouraging message! I am sharing with my family members and friends!!! Thank you SO much! Leona????

Reply by: Leona Choy

Thank you, Li-ui, As I write this I pray for you for whatever concern is at the top of your prayer list.

Elaine Marshall From Minnesota At 3/21/2020 5:20:22 PM

Such a good read! Thank you, Leona! Like you, I am (so far) enjoying this time apart! Just thanking our Lord for his protection & provision. I have made several phone calls to check in on other widows. If they sound anxious I get to remind them that God is still on His Throne. I pray for you daily.

Reply by: Leona Choy

Elaine, God is pleased that you heart-practice Isaiah 58:10 and 11. It will boomerang in a beautiful way to strengthen you.

Joan Shank From Celebration Web Desi At 3/21/2020 10:54:16 AM

I am Bruce's wife and I do his accounting. Your blogs have been such a rich blessing. I believe the Lord has preserved you for such a time as this. I passed your blogs on to my sister and husband. He has just retired as a pastor and is serving as the Chaplin at a large retirement facility.

Reply by: Leona Choy

Joan, thank you for the encouragement. I prayed for whatever is uppermost in your concerns as I write this, and for retired pastor-chaplain in such a strategic place of influence in these crisis times.

Lisa Meadows From Stanley, VA At 3/21/2020 9:20:06 AM

Beautiful!

Reply by: Leona Choy

Lisa, when your world rocks you off center, hold fast to God to bring you back to harmony and balance. For the important decision you are facing, be sure you have heard God's voice clearly. So much is at stake not only for you but for others involved. God will come through for you as He always does. Trust Him.

Pat & Dan Christ From At 3/21/2020 8:14:47 AM

YOU have a way with words, Dan declares as I read your blog this morning while our weeks visitors (Sky & Dyl) are still sleeping. Thanks much for inspiring us this Saturday morning! Next week the Choy boys & Dom will have their turn at, er, with us! Much love, Dan & Pat

Reply by: Leona Choy

The Lord is infusing His strength into both of you in the busy days with your beloved grandkiddos. Lean hard on Him for patience and creative ideas for them. Your influence on them will last into their adult years and your reward will not pass away. Rejoice that you can invest yourself in them. But get enough rest!!!

Dottie From Danbury At 3/21/2020 7:54:22 AM

Please pray for her! I feel isolated but not nearly as deserted as she is. I can look out the window and see my son's car next door and people going up and down the street. Dear Lord, bless and comfort Idalia and let her find your love even when being warehoused with strangers!

Reply by: Leona Choy

Bless Dottie for caring and answer her prayers for her friend. (See continued below)

Dottie From Danbury At 3/21/2020 7:49:01 AM

Thank you Leona and bless you. I have been concerned about an old lady I know who recently had a grandbaby named after her, who was put in a nursing home that is on LOCKDOWN! She cannot have visitors, has never seen the new baby, does not have a computer or Facebook, in a strange place with strang

Reply by: Leona Choy

Dear Lord, you know this precious lady Idalia and her situation. Bring into her life unexpected people to circumvent the lockdown safely, and assure her of Your care for her. Bless the new baby through her prayers even without seeing the little one.

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