When Social Distancing Makes Space for God

Space for God during LentIn every nation He accepts those who fear Him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel – that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
Acts 10:35-36 (NLT)

Perhaps social distancing presents an opportunity for deeper Lenten reflection.

Nearly half way through our 40 days of spiritual preparation for Easter, Covid-19 forces us to reduce our contact with one another. Could this be an opportunity to increase our contact with God?

With hectic schedules halted, we have space for the Spirit. (tweet this)

During Lent, many people give up something they value in order to share in Christ’s self-sacrifice (TV, social media, meat, alcohol, etc). Through sacrifice they draw closer to God in prayer and depend on His strength. Some people sacrifice by adopting new Christ-like habits like serving others, reading Scripture daily, or donating items to charity. They intentionally shift their focus away from themselves and toward loving God and loving others.

This national emergency requires sacrifice from all, both by giving up normal habits and by increasing concern for others. It also provides an unexpected Lenten opportunity for self-reflection.

In this unique world-wide pause let’s ask ourselves:

  • How is my relationship with God?
  • Am I following Jesus’ way or defining my own way?
  • Where do I fall short of the self-giving life God intends for me?
  • Is Jesus the Lord of my life or am I in charge?

Sin is not so much our individual misdeeds as our underlying attitude that we’re in control and we can live without God. We ‘edge God out’ (e.g.o.) by seeking purpose apart from Him.  With self-giving love, Jesus sacrificed everything to make our relationship right with God. We are accepted and loved. Jesus will rescue us from ourselves if only we recognize our need for Him.

Let’s talk about it: What does life look like when Jesus is Lord?

I’ve also written about
How to discover who is lord of your life
How following Jesus is a process

#SeedsofScripture @Cathy_Chung #JesusisLord #Jesussaves

14 Comments

  1. K.A. Wypych on March 16, 2020 at 2:37 PM

    It is good to reflect on our relationship with God. Thanks for posting.

    • CathyChung on March 16, 2020 at 5:37 PM

      Yes, always, especially as we walk toward the cross and Easter. What’s different this year is our unusually quiet schedules. Thanks for reading.

  2. Barbara L. Latta on March 16, 2020 at 3:53 PM

    God tells us He makes good come out of bad (Romans 8:28). The devil’s virus shouldn’t stop us, but we can use this time of hunkering down to spend more time with God. Instead of keeping us in bondage, we dwell in more freedom. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world!

    • CathyChung on March 16, 2020 at 5:42 PM

      We can’t make the virus go away but we can use the change in our schedules for good. I don’t want to be insensitive to those for whom this world-wide pause is financially devastating. I hope they are able to trust God and find peace that they will recover. I hope we Christians can find ways to help them. Thanks for reading and engaging Barbara!

  3. Katherine Pasour on March 16, 2020 at 3:57 PM

    Cathy, I really like the way you have taken an alternative look at the crisis our nation and world are facing. You have used an example of a negative situation to show us how we can focus more on our relationship with God. If we are self-isolated or even quarantined during this crisis, how can we use this time to draw closer to God? I’ve noticed that I’ve been praying more, but it has been more of a reaction to the crisis. But, you have reminded me that I can take action during this time (not just react, but ACT) to draw every nearer to Jesus. Thank you!

    • CathyChung on March 16, 2020 at 5:36 PM

      The situation is serious, but it does give us time for those things we claim to never have time for. Thanks for reading and engaging.

  4. Jeannie Waters on March 16, 2020 at 5:25 PM

    Thank you, Cathy, for guiding us to focus on our walk with Christ as life slows down a bit. The questions you pose would be good ones to answer in a journal.

    • CathyChung on March 16, 2020 at 5:34 PM

      They’re tough questions to answer and convicting, but isn’t that what Lenten reflection should be? Thanks for reading and engaging.

  5. J.D. Wininger on March 17, 2020 at 6:49 AM

    Another wonderful post Ms. Cathy. It’s sad, in a way, that it takes an epidemic like this to bring some people to think on Christ, but I’m thankful that it will bring some good from this time of fear and anxiety. My best answer to your question is “Sitting atop the hill at the back of my ranch, facing east as the sun just starts to appear on the horizon. Bubba is nestled under my arm with his head on my chest. The cattle are lowing as they feed their young or silently munch on the lush, dew-covered grass. It’s perfectly quiet. Then, as the eastern sky starts to fill with color, a large flock of sparrows take flight. As they noisily start the day, I realize I’ve been bathing in God’s peace. With that comforting warmth, I know that I’ll spend my day in His presence. God’s blessings sweet friend.

    • Cathy Chung on March 21, 2020 at 12:03 PM

      What a beautiful way to start each day in God’s beautiful creation – bathing in God’s peace. The grand Artist paints the sky each morning and each evening.

  6. Candyce Carden on March 18, 2020 at 4:42 PM

    Definitely one of the positives that’s coming out of our country’s current situation. No excuse not to make much-needed space for the Spirit. Thank you for this thoughtful post!

    • Cathy Chung on March 21, 2020 at 12:05 PM

      Candyce, many will continue to make excuses unfortunately but I pray that those who spend time in His presence are so filled with His peace and strength that they form regular habits of resting in Him.

  7. Michelle Luhrmann on March 21, 2020 at 1:20 PM

    While this is a horrible situation, it also provides opportunity. Time to reflect, time to pray, time to get to all those projects, clear out: the things in our life that weigh us down and get clear on how we are called to be, and what we’re called to do.

    It’s a time, to get quiet and get comfortable with being by ourselves, and learning, that there is so much more for us, if we just take some time to look.

    • CathyChung on March 24, 2020 at 9:02 AM

      Yes, yes. We hardly ever get quiet anymore but fill the silence with music, TV, podcasts. Are we afraid of being in the silence with our own thoughts, reflecting inward and upward? Thanks for commenting!

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