Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

My family and I have been very ‘still’ these last 4 months. We’ve kept to ourselves, gone about our business, and above all managed to keep anxiety and fear at bay. It was God’s instruction at the beginning of the lock-down to “Be still and KNOW that I am God”. So, we did just that. We ran our lives silently and reflected on the mercy God has shown us during this time when millions of fellow countryman are facing extraordinary hardship.

It’s an unconscionable thing to say, given the destruction Covid-19 has wreaked on millions of lives, but I can’t help feeling that we are stronger now than at the beginning of this thing, with different priorities and the direction of our lives permanently course-corrected. It’s as if the lock-down has provided a period of rapid spiritual incubation; a time of unhindered reflection during which the thin film of God’s grace that covers every aspect of our lives started to shimmer and shine as it revealed its presence.

In my own spiritual life, it was as if the volume on everything turned down and this allowed God’s voice to pierce through the static in the air that kept us from hearing him. Everything I thought defined me dissipated from the palette of my existence leaving me with only hard lines that articulates the essence of my being. You are not defined by your possessions, you’re wealth, or your professional status. You’re not a hardcore biker when your Harley’s been parked for months! You’re a someone’s father, husband, son, and brother!

This time has permanently changed my outlook on everything. I simply cannot go back to chasing what I chased and fearing what I feared. I feel its time to stand up again and attack life with vigor and courage. New energy directed in a new way. A leaner, more focused life being propelled towards God’s will.

The time to be still has served its purpose. It has stripped us of the lies we tell ourselves about who we are and what we need. Now is the time rejoin the race, but as fearless sprinters with new direction and renewed purpose.

Be blessed, till next time.