Psalms 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”
In times of crisis, problems, and epidemics, the Word of God comes to tell us to “be still”. If we adhere to these compelling words from God, they bring us peace. But what does “be still” mean in days like today when the governments of different countries request that people remain at home, not to travel, and not to visit recreational places? This is also “being still”. For many people, this is an uncertain and confusing time because they are constantly being placed in a situation with which they are unfamiliar. Stopping the routine of going to work, studying, seeing friends, going to church will be very difficult for some.
Here are some ideas to help you:
- Find family activities to fill the time. Perhaps use this time to talk and play, watch a movie, be with your wife and children.
- Involve the entire family in household chores. Some examples might be rearranging furniture, books, clothes, toys, washing, painting your home (have everyone involved), etc.
- Let the children have time to play their games. This involves conversations with friends on the internet.
- Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner together as a family and enjoying the time spent with each other.
- Complete tasks that have been neglected because of time constraints. Take advantage of this opportunity.
- Rest well. This doesn’t mean that you just lay around, but also rediscover your hobbies that you haven’t been able to do because of a lack of time.
- Avoid fights, arguments, anger, and intolerance. Think about how we are all in this together and how we must work together to make the most of it. Don’t let tensions rise but learn that this is an opportunity to make things right with your family in the face of this threat.
- Think about how your life is so busy that many times you don’t have the time to talk with God. The second part of the verse says “and know that I am God”. Dear friend, father or mother how much do you know God? This is the perfect time to read and study the Bible either alone or as a family. Resume spending valuable time at the family altar. Then you can let everyone know the mighty God who takes care of you so that the plague does not touch your home. This is a different time, a time to be still and learning to enjoy it.
May God bless all you do today.
Dr. Miguel and Irene Garita.
Family Care Ministry, Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica Region
